This imperative requires commanders to take actions to preserve their unit's
fighting strength. Commanders must take every precaution to prevent being
surprised. The AirLand Battlefield may find the friendly force outnumbered
and unlikely to receive replacements. It is essential to maintain morale,
troop health, and equipment readiness.
Risk taking to insure unity of
effort and sustain the fight must be balanced with this imperative.
Judicious risk is often necessary. Foolish risk is unacceptable.
Summary
In execution, the AirLand Battle means nothing more than fighting "smart".
It uses every element of combat power from psychological operations to
nuclear weapons to defeat the enemy. The interaction of the combat elements
is important to winning victories on the AirLand Battlefield. The elements
of combat power are:
o
Maneuver.
o
o
Protection.
o
Leadership.
The conduct of operations of the AirLand Battlefield is guided by seven
combat imperatives:
o
Insure unity of effort.
o
Direct friendly strengths against enemy weaknesses.
o
Designate and sustain the main effort.
o
Sustain the fight.
o
Move hard, strike fast, finish rapidly.
o
Use terrain and weather.
o
Protect the force.
These imperatives are supported by the principles of war.
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IS7000
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