Principles of War: Valid Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

摘要

The principles of war have survived for many years and have assisted many military planners and commanders. They do not exist as a cookbook solution to generate success, but they do exist as a guide to energize the thought process of planners and commanders. When the concepts are employed in an artful, skillful, and knowledgeable manner, one may possibly have a greater potential for success. These principles are not axiomatically immutable nor were they designed to be. They are based on an in-depth study of war along with personal experiences of the original authors. They have received many critical analyses and have thus far survived. It is prudent; however, that these types of critical analyses continue, especially today as the military and the nation applies the rapid changes in technology. This paper will show that the principles do not need to be changed. Through the analysis of recent historical examples and of arguments by others that support changes to the existing principles, it becomes evident the need for change is in the manner in which they are viewed.