PRINCIPLES OF WAR
The nine principles of war provide the basic framework for the conduct
of war at strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The principles are the continuing foundation of Army doctrine. Today's
force-projection engineers recognize the following principles of war:
Objective
Direct every military mission toward a clearly defined,
decisive, and attainable objective.
Commanders direct the use of available combat power toward clearly
defined, attainable, and decisive goals. Engineers analyze how best to support a definable objective and develop courses of
action (COAs) to achieve these goals during war and contingency operations. Force commanders then establish the tasks and
priorities for all engineer activities.
Offensive
Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.
Offensive action is the most effective and decisive way to attain
a clearly defined common objective. Engineers conduct mobility operations to help the force seize and hold the initiative
while maintaining freedom of action and achieving decisive results. Maneuver units and engineers adopt the defense only as
a temporary expedient and seek every opportunity to seize the initiative. An offensive spirit must be inherent when conducting
all engineer defensive operations.
Mass
Mass the effects of overwhelming combat power at the decisive
place and time.
Engineers enable units to concentrate rapidly over clear routes
and reduce enemy obstacles without loss of momentum. Engineer forces weight the main effort. Supporting efforts receive remaining
engineer support after the main effort is satisfied. Thus, engineer units concentrate in key areas. As the main effort shifts,
the engineer force posture enables engineers to shift with it. Because there are not enough engineers to meet all requirements,
commanders must minimize their diversion from all but the most essential tasks. Engineer operations require precise integration
and synchronization to achieve the desired effects.
Economy of Force
Employ all combat power available in the most
effective way possible; allocate essential combat power to secondary efforts.
Engineer units must be judiciously employed and distributed on the
battlefield. No engineer unit should be left without purpose. Allocating engineers for missions such as limited attacks, defense,
delays, deception, or even retrograde operations is measured to achieve mass elsewhere at the decisive point and time on the
battlefield.
Maneuver
Place the enemy in a position of disadvantage through
the flexible application of combat power.
Effective force commanders and their engineers thoroughly understand
the enemy and its weaknesses. Viable schemes of maneuver consider the capabilities of engineers to alter terrain, reduce enemy
obstacles, hinder enemy breaching of friendly obstacles, and protect the force from enemy firepower. Two examples of how engineers
enhance maneuver and contribute in destroying the enemy are�
* Combined-arms breaching and clearance operations,
which allow the main body to strike at the point of penetration and maintain an aggressive attack.
*
Combined-arms obstacle operations, which shape the battlefield and intensify the effects of direct and indirect fires.
Unity of Command
For every objective, seek unity of command and
unity of effort.
Engineers at all levels ensure that their units are fully integrated
into the combined-arms team. Army engineers also work with those of the other services and agencies to ensure that the total
engineer effort brings their full weight to bear in support of the operation.
Security
Never permit the enemy to acquire unexpected advantage.
Engineers are the experts in camouflage, survivability, and countermobility.
They support force protection for friendly forces while hindering the intelligence collection efforts of the enemy. Protection�a
dynamic of combat power�enhances the fighting potential of a force so that the commander can apply it at the decisive time
and place. Engineers provide a major role in protecting the force. Constructing hasty and deliberate positions for combat,
combat support (CS), and combat service support (CSS) and contributing to the deception plan are two key examples of how engineers
enhance security measures.
Surprise
Strike the enemy at a time or a place or in a manner
for which it is unprepared.
Engineer mobility and countermobility operations are designed specifically
for surprise. Engineers plan and execute obstacles to disrupt the enemy's tempo and freedom of maneuver. Air- and artillery-delivered
scatterable mines (SCATMINEs) extend this effect into the enemy's rear area. Engineers provide the mobility to strike the
enemy rapidly before it can react. Using engineers in deception operations can be extremely effective due to the visible nature
of engineer operations.
Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and concise orders
to ensure thorough understanding.
Simplicity contributes to successful operations. Clear and simple
plans minimize confusion and maximize understanding. Simple plans are especially useful when leaders and soldiers are tired
from extended operations. These plans enhance a leader's understanding and permit branches and sequences to be understood.
Engineer commanders and planners maintain simplicity by ensuring that task organizations and areas of responsibilities allow
for smooth transitions and minimal movement. Units are provided clear, concise mission taskings with maximum opportunity for
decentralize planning and execution.
