Lesson #1 Flashcards
War
a conflict between organized groups with unknown resolve
each seeking to impose its will on the other
Clausewitz’ definition of War
“War is a continuation of politics/policy by other means.”
Trinity
three interactive factors in wartime endeavors
1. rational aims (goal)
2. emotions/hatreds (history)
3. chance/combat (terrain, luck, etc.)
Objective (Principles of War)
a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable GOAL (ie. military, political, economic, etc.)
Offensive (Principles of War)
seize, retain, and exploit the INITIATIVE
Maneuver (Principles of War)
the FLEXIBLE application of combat power
Mass (Principles of War)
the concentration of military assets against a specific target
focus combined arms and airpower to defeat a potentially superior enemy force
Economy of Force (Principles of War)
allocation of combat power to accomplish mission; minimal expenditures are ideal
Unity of Command (Principles of War)
united effort under a responsible Commander
Security (Principles of War)
measures to prevent the enemy from acquiring an unexpected advantage
Simplicity (Principles of War)
produce clear, uncomplicated plans and orders to ensure understanding
Strategy (Principles of War)
projecting and directing campaigns; the PRELUDE
Tactics (Principles of War)
art of executing plans and handling troops in battle; the ACTION
Grand Strategy (Principles of War)
employing all resources to achieve the objects of war and peace (higher strategy)
Minor Tactics (Principles of War)
the maneuver of small units
Operational Art (Principles of War)
moneuver of large-scale units (divisions and corps) to achieve victory
Envelopment (Principles of War)
attack on an enemy’s flank and toward the rear
usually accompanied with an attack from front
