L22

Overview

Should maintenance of public support be a principle of war? How might this work in the air and space domain?

What are the current 10 ADF Principles or war?

1 - Selection and maintenance of the aim Identify strategic, operational and tactical objectives and ensure that military plans at all levels remain focused on achieving them

2 - Concentration of force Apply superior military force or combat power at the right place, at the right time, and in such a way as to achieve a positive and decisive result.

3 - Cooperation Establish close cooperation between the Services, as well as with the broader Australian community, allies and partners, as this is vital to success in war.

4 - Offensive action Undertake actions to gain and retain the initiative, as this is essential to achieving ultimate victory.

5 - Security Ensure that friendly forces are able to operate effectively with minimal interference from the adversary and deny the adversary freedom of action.

6 - Surprise Seize the initiative, disrupt the adversary’s decision and action cycle, and create results disproportionate to effort expended by acting in ways unexpected by the adversary.

7 - Flexibility Adapt to the evolving situation to counter changed or unforeseen circumstances, deal with setbacks, or capitalise on unexpected opportunities.

8 - Economy of Effort Allocate national and defence resources prudently, control the expenditure of effort, and strike the right balance between offence and defence to achieve the desired results.

9 - Sustainment To implement strategies and operational plans effectively, operations must be sustained for the desired duration, including the necessary support arrangements, logistics and personnel aspects

10 - Morale Maintain a positive mental state that is an embodiment of the national will to resist aggression and coercion.

Key Terms

Principle of War

Principles of war provide simple and logical guidance that focuses the planning processes prior to and during the conduct of military operations.

Public

People in general, or to all the people in a particular country or community, as the public.

Support

If you support someone, something or their ideas or aims, you agree with them, and perhaps help them because you want them to succeed.