Nine Principles of War

U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3 Military Operations

Mass :

concentrate combat power at the decisive place and time

Objective :

direct every military operation towards a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective

Offensive :

seize, retain, and exploit the initiative

Surprise :

strike the enemy at a time, at a place, or in a manner for which he is unprepared

Economy of Force :

allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts

Maneuver :

place the enemy in a position of disadvantage through the flexible application of combat power

Unity of Command :

for every objective, ensure unity of effort under one responsible commander

Security :

never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage

Simplicity :

prepare clear uncomplicated plans, and clear concise orders to ensure thorough understanding