Sustain the Fight
The principles of war which support this imperative are:
o
Mass.
o
Unity of command.
This imperative requires the development of forces in depth. The effective
commander must arrange for timely and continuous combat support and combat
service support.
The commander must also know the limit of his soldiers'
endurance. He must consider the human dimension of battle. The realities
of the AirLand Battlefield place a heavy burden on courage and endurance.
The commander must consider the strengths and weaknesses of his troops and
make adjustments accordingly.
Move Fast, Strike Hard, and Finish Rapidly
The principles of war which support this imperative are:
o
Surprise.
o
Maneuver.
o
Mass.
Concentrations on the AirLand Battlefield must be rapid to minimize
detection and avoid engagement. Combat actions must be short and violent.
They must shock, paralyze, and overwhelm the enemy. Engagements should end
quickly so force can disperse to avoid enemy counterstrokes.
Speed is essential on the AirLand Battlefield.
It is the basis
for
surprise. Speed allows the commander to seize and hold the initiative.
Use Terrain and Weather
Terrain and weather are the most decisive physical factors affecting combat.
The ground can be used to create opportunities which can limit enemy
mobility. Terrain can be used to protect friendly forces and destroy enemy
ones. It is used in economy of force operations.
Weather affects equipment and terrain.
The commander must understand how
weather and visibility affect his operations and enemy operations.
The
greatest impact of weather is on the soldiers.
Again, the commander must
consider its effect on the overall operation.
Protect the Force
The principles of war which support this imperative are:
o
Security.
o
Maneuver.
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IS7000
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