Basil Henry liddell-Hart [England]

Positive principle

First, choose the target according to your own means.

Second, always remember your goal.

Third, choose the most unexpected course of action of the enemy.

Fourth, act along the route of least resistance.

5. Choose a front that can threaten several enemy targets at the same time.

6. Ensure flexible planning and deploy troops according to possible changes in the situation.

Negative principle

Never attack with all your might when the enemy is on guard.

Eight, when an attempt fails, don't attack along the same route and with the original deployment.

In this chapter, we should draw some basic principles from the experience based on the history of war. We think these principles are so universal and indisputable that they seem to be called "axioms".

These principles can be used as practical guidelines for action, not abstract principles. When Napoleon formed his own set of principles, he knew that only practical principles would be useful. However, in today's era, there has been such a tendency to explain the principle. People use thousands of words to explain problems that could have been explained clearly in one sentence. Even so, these "principles" are too abstract, and different people can have different interpretations. As for their value, it also depends on everyone's understanding of the war. The more abstract this kind of research tends to be, the more it will form a phantom, and nothing will be obtained except brain games.

Not just a principle, all the principles of war can be expressed by a noun, that is "concentration". However, to be more accurate, it is still necessary to expand its scope, which is called "concentrating our own strength to deal with the enemy's weaknesses." In order to truly apply this principle, it needs to be further explained that in order to achieve the goal of "concentrating one's own strength to deal with the enemy's weaknesses", it is necessary to disperse the enemy's troops, thus creating a situation, and achieving partial results through scattered use of troops. In this way, two procedures of continuous action are formed: first, we disperse ourselves and disperse the enemy, and then we concentrate ourselves. So any action in the next step is the result of the previous step, and the real concentration is the result of planned decentralization.

In this way, we have a basic principle. As long as we have a deeper understanding of it, we can prevent making a major and most common mistake. This mistake refers to giving the enemy the opportunity to move freely and giving them time to concentrate their forces against your concentration. But after the formation of a basic principle, it is still impossible to have any practical effect if you just talk about it without putting it into practice.

Of course, these axioms described in this book, that is, some principles we put forward, cannot be expressed by only one noun, but they can be clearly stated in a short sentence. Now a * * * has put forward eight principles, six of which are positive and two are negative. Unless otherwise stated, these principles apply equally to tactics and strategies.

Positive principle

First, choose the target according to your own means.

When setting goals, we must have a healthy mind and a cool head. "Too much chewing" is meaningless. The first characteristic of military ingenuity is that it can distinguish what can and cannot be done. Learn to face the reality, but never lose confidence in your own strength. Confidence is very important after the battle begins. As long as you have enough confidence, sometimes you can achieve what seems impossible on the surface. Confidence is like the current in the battery, and it is the most taboo to spoil and waste it at will. So you have to remember that if your battery is dead, the people you trust will be hit mentally and your confidence will be useless.

Second, always remember your goal.

When you make your own plan according to the changed situation, you must always keep your goals in mind. It should be pointed out that there may be various ways to achieve your goal, but think that every time you win an intermediate goal, you take a step forward to the expected goal. Therefore, when choosing goals, it is necessary to estimate the possibility of capturing these goals and consider to what extent it will be conducive to the realization of the basic goals. Remember, it is not good to deviate from the direction, but if you enter the corner, the situation will be worse.

Third, choose the most unexpected course of action of the enemy.

We should put ourselves in the position of the enemy and see which direction they will regard as the least dangerous, so they will not take corresponding preventive measures there.

Fourth, act along the route of least resistance.

As long as there are no heavy casualties, we must always follow the route of least enemy resistance and strive to achieve the expected goal. Once you win this goal, you are one step closer to your ultimate goal. Tactically, this principle can be widely used when you use the reserve team. In terms of strategy, you can also apply this principle in developing any tactical victory. )

5. Choose a front that can threaten several enemy targets at the same time.

Only in this way can you push the enemy into trouble. Carrying out this principle can at least enable you to take the next target when the enemy's defense is weak, and may even take several targets in succession.

If several enemy targets can be threatened at the same time, then there are good preconditions and conditions to capture one of them. If you just run to an isolated target, and the enemy is not at an absolute disadvantage, it is completely impossible for you to achieve your goal, because then the enemy will accurately guess your assault direction. It is a common mistake to confuse "choosing a course of action" with "choosing a goal". The former is usually a clever way; The latter is only a blow, and it is usually more difficult to develop the road to victory. This principle is mainly used in strategy. But as long as possible, it can also be applied tactically. In fact, this is the basis of troops' infiltration tactics. )

6. Ensure flexible planning and deploy troops according to possible changes in the situation.

When making a plan, we must consider and study the next action measures in advance. Whether it is success or failure, or only partial success, there must be a predetermined way to deal with it. Your troop deployment must ensure that the troops can develop their achievements in the shortest time, or change their deployment immediately to adapt to the changed new situation.

Negative principle

Never attack with all your might when the enemy is on guard.

In other words, if the enemy is in a favorable position, he can repel your attack or avoid it. Historical experience tells us that if the enemy has not been absolutely weakened, his resistance has not been paralyzed, or he has the ability to avoid your attack, then the blow to him will not achieve the expected effect. Therefore, any commander should not rashly decide to attack the enemy who is holding his ground before he finds that the enemy is really paralyzed. Paralyzing the enemy, physically speaking, is to disintegrate their organization, psychologically speaking, it is to blow their morale.

Eight, when an attempt fails, don't attack along the same route and with the original deployment.

Simply increasing some troops at this time cannot be the basic condition for resuming the attack, because the enemy will also increase their troops at this time. And he has more chances to beat you again, because he has the power to win and has gained the upper hand mentally.

In order to ensure victory, as a supplement to the above principles, we should also solve the following two basic tasks: undermining the stability of the enemy and expanding the results. The first task should be completed before the attack; The second task was completed after the attack. Compared with these two tasks, the attack itself is a much simpler action. If we can't destroy the enemy's stability and create favorable conditions before the attack begins, it will be impossible to effectively attack the enemy. If you can't take advantage of the second favorable opportunity before the enemy recovers, it will be difficult for your attack to achieve decisive results.

Many people have never fully understood the importance of these two tasks. So most wars can't achieve decisive results. Military training often pays attention to the details of offensive operations. This tendency to pay too much attention to tactical actions makes people ignore the role of psychological factors. The troops trained in this way have the same methods of action and are not good at surprise attacks. In this way, the commander always thinks that he should not make any mistakes or violate the rules, thus forgetting that he must try to make the enemy take a wrong step. Therefore, their plans are often difficult to succeed. You know, in the process of war, the most decisive influence is the serious mistakes of the enemy.

Sometimes, the commander avoids the obvious method, but suddenly finds the key to solving the task. Of course, in this case, his luck is always not bad. Luck is inseparable from war, because war itself is a part of human life. Sudden action may not guarantee victory, but it provides a better chance of winning.

In 192 1, the US Army promulgated the first set of operational principles in its training regulations. Most of these principles are taken from the works of British Major General J.F.C Fuller. He formulated a set of operational principles in World War I as a guide for the British army. In the following years, these primitive operational principles adopted by our army, although only slightly modified and changed, can basically stand the test of analysis, experiment and practice. The operational principles of the US Army today are:

-clear purpose.

-Emphasize the attack.

-Concentrate your forces.

-Save the troops.

-maneuver.

-Unified command

-Make sure it's safe.

-Surprise the enemy.

-Be brief and to the point

Objective (objective)

Every military action should have a clear, decisive and achievable goal. Lead every military action to a clear, decisive and achievable goal. )

A country's strategic military purpose in the war comes from political purpose. Therefore, the strategic military purpose must be to use the necessary military force to achieve the political intention or purpose of waging war. When the political goal is to completely defeat the opponent, the strategic military goal is likely to defeat the enemy's armed forces and disintegrate its resistance will. However, the most important thing is that the political purpose should be clear, and it should be the purpose that can be achieved by careful use of various national forces. Only when the President and Congress of the United States define and clarify the political purpose can we clarify the strategic and tactical purpose. Once strategic objectives are formulated, they must be carefully analyzed and studied frequently to ensure that these objectives can not only continue to accurately reflect the ultimate political goals, but also reflect any political restrictions imposed on the use of military force.

Just as strategic military objectives should focus on achieving political objectives, tactical military operations should also have clear, decisive and achievable tactical objectives, which must directly or indirectly help to achieve the ultimate goal with half the effort. The choice of purpose should be based on the overall task of the whole army, the tasks accepted by commanders, the existing means and the military characteristics of the combat area. Every commander must have a clear understanding of his superiors and his own overall tasks. The specific tasks he must complete and the reasons for stipulating these tasks. He must consider every action he is prepared to take according to his overall task and clearly inform his subordinate commanders of his operational intentions.

Emphasize attack.

We must seize, maintain and make use of the initiative. Seize, retain and use the initiative. )

The principle of "clear purpose" requires that every effort be made to achieve a clear "* * * with the same purpose", while the principle of "emphasizing attack" holds that offensive action or keeping the initiative is the most effective and decisive means to achieve "* * * with the same purpose". This is basically the case in both strategic and tactical sense. Although it is sometimes necessary to take a defensive stance, it should be only a temporary phenomenon until the means needed to resume the attack are obtained. All defensive actions must be carried out in an offensive spirit. Defense must be positive, not negative. This is because any form of offensive action is a means for a country or army to seize and maintain the initiative, achieve decisive results and maintain freedom of action. Attacks enable political leaders or military commanders to take the initiative, impose their will on the enemy, limit the conditions of confrontation or fighting, choose the location of confrontation or fighting, and take advantage of the enemy's weaknesses to deal with rapidly changing situations and emergencies. Strategically or tactically, the one who keeps the initiative through offensive actions can force the enemy to respond passively, rather than actively.

Concentrate troops

We must concentrate our fighting forces at a decisive place and time. Concentrate the effect of overwhelming combat effectiveness at a decisive place and time. )

Within the strategic scope, the principle of concentrated power means that the country should invest or prepare to invest its main power in those large and small areas that pose the most serious threat to its vital security interests. The United States and other countries have global security interests in political and military alliances, obligations and dependence on resources. For these countries, it is increasingly difficult to accurately and timely determine where the greatest threat to their vital interests. In today's turbulent world, the nature and root causes of threats often change dramatically. Therefore, it is the unshirkable responsibility of military strategists to predict the areas most likely to be threatened and formulate corresponding emergency plans. Since it is impossible to predict every possible emergency or trouble, let alone make an appropriate plan to deal with every emergency, it is absolutely necessary for army planners and army troops to be flexible in their thoughts and actions.

Tactically, the principle of concentrated forces means that in order to achieve decisive results, superior combat forces must be concentrated at decisive places and times. This advantage comes from the appropriate comprehensive use of various combat forces in a certain place and time in a way selected by the commander in order to maintain the initiative. Concentrated forces, combined with the proper application of other operational principles, can make the troops at a disadvantage in number achieve decisive results.

Force economy

Ensure that sufficient troops are used in the main combat areas; Only the minimum required combat forces are allocated in the secondary combat zone. Use all available combat forces in the most effective way possible; Assign the minimum basic combat power to the secondary forces. )

In order to implement the principle of concentrating troops, we should also implement the principle of saving troops accordingly. Strategically speaking, the principle of saving the army means that without inexhaustible resources, a country may have to take some risks in areas where its immediate interests are not threatened at present. That is to say, if the main force must be concentrated to deal with a certain major threat, the unnecessary dispersion of troops in secondary areas cannot be allowed, thus hindering the realization of the above objectives. This requires taking risks, making wise strategic plans, making correct judgments by political and military leaders, and maintaining flexibility in thinking and action.

Tactically, the principle of saving troops requires that only the least troops be used in areas that are not prepared for major combat activities. Just as strategically, in order to gain an advantage in the decisive battle area, we must take risks carefully in the selected area. The troops concerned may attack, defend, delay operations or cheat when performing tasks that need to save troops.

Maneuver (maneuver)

We must use our combat power flexibly to put the enemy at a disadvantage. The enemy is at a disadvantage through the flexible use of combat power. )

Strategically speaking, the principle of implementing maneuver includes three interrelated aspects: flexibility, fast moving ability and maneuverability. The first aspect refers to the flexibility of thinking, planning and combat operations. This flexibility can enhance the ability to respond to unexpected situations quickly. Given the global interests of the United States and the turbulent international situation, this flexibility is extremely important. The second aspect involves strategic mobility, which is particularly important for a country like the United States, which is similar to an island country. In order to respond quickly and concentrate and deliver power in the main target direction, strategic sea and air transportation is essential. The last aspect is to carry out mobile operations in the war zone in order to concentrate the greatest strength on the weakest part of the enemy and gain strategic advantage.

Tactically speaking, mobility is one of the elements of combat effectiveness. It is very helpful to maintain initiative, expand achievements, maintain freedom of movement and reduce our vulnerability to attack. The purpose of maneuvering is to concentrate or disperse troops in a way that puts the enemy at a disadvantage, so as to achieve the result that would have cost more manpower and material resources. To successfully apply this principle, troops at all levels not only need to exert firepower and carry out sports, but also need to be flexible in thinking, planning and action, and carefully use the principle of concentrating troops and saving troops.

Unified command (unified command)

In achieving each goal, we must ensure that we coordinate our actions under the command of the commander. (For each goal, seek unified command and unified efforts. )

This principle can ensure that all efforts are aimed at achieving a common goal. Strategically, this same purpose is equivalent to the political purpose of the United States and the extensive strategic purpose derived from it. At the national level, it is this same purpose that determines the military strength needed to achieve this goal. In order to coordinate these military forces, it is necessary to act in unison. At the national level, the Constitution stipulates that the President is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, thus ensuring the unity of command. In carrying out this task, the President has the support of the national security agencies (the highest level includes the Minister of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Combat units at all levels include joint command, special command and joint task force.

Tactically, it goes without saying that if we want to make full use of military power, we must implement unified command. Unified command is to guide and coordinate the actions of all troops to achieve common goals. It is also possible to achieve harmony through mutual cooperation. However, the best way to achieve coordination is to give the operational commander the necessary power to command and coordinate all troops for the same purpose.

Ensure safety (safety)

Never allow the enemy to get unexpected opportunities. Never let the enemy gain an unexpected advantage. )

Security can reduce a person's vulnerability to injury, influence or sudden attack by the enemy, thus expanding a person's freedom of movement. Strategically, ensuring security requires taking various positive and negative measures to prevent the enemy from spying, subversion and strategic intelligence gathering activities against the United States and its armed forces. However, when taking these measures, we should prevent them from damaging the ties between the American public and the military. In addition, they should not be allowed to hinder the flexibility of thinking and action, because ideological rigidity and dogmatism will increase the possibility of sudden attack. In this regard, being familiar with and thoroughly understanding the enemy's strategy, tactics and operational principles, as well as the careful planning of strategic staff offices, can improve the security situation and reduce the vulnerability to sudden attacks on the enemy.

Tactically, ensuring safety is very important for protecting and cherishing combat effectiveness. Troops can obtain security by taking various measures to prevent sudden attack, observation, detection, interference, espionage, sabotage or interference. Taking protective measures against the actions or influences of the enemy can ensure safety. Taking deceptive actions to confuse the enemy and crush their attempts to interfere with our army can also ensure safety. War is bound to have risks, and the principle of ensuring security does not mean that we should be too cautious or afraid to take appropriate risks.

Attack the enemy by surprise

We must strike the enemy by surprise at a certain time or place. Strike the enemy at a time, place or way that the enemy is unprepared. )

Generally speaking, the principle of attacking the enemy by surprise is contrary to the principle of ensuring security. Hiding one's abilities and intentions can create opportunities to attack the enemy without realizing or preparing. However, it is difficult to make a strategic surprise attack. The rapid development of strategic surveillance technology makes it more and more difficult to hide the large-scale assembly or mobilization of troops and equipment. In an open society like the United States, which attaches great importance to freedom of the press, the above problems are more complicated. However, because the United States has the ability of strategic deployment, it can psychologically surprise the enemy to a certain extent. By rapidly deploying American combat troops to crisis areas, the enemy's plans and preparation activities can be prevented or disrupted in advance. This ability can give the United States an advantage in actual strength and psychology because it deprives the enemy of the initiative.

Attacking the enemy by surprise is very important tactically, because it can have a decisive impact on the outcome of the battle. If we can catch the enemy by surprise, we can get twice the result with half the effort. Attacking at an unexpected time and/or place or in an unguarded way can achieve the purpose of surprise attack. It does not require that the enemy should not be aware of it at all, but that it is too late to respond effectively. The factors that help to achieve surprise include: quick action, making use of the enemy's unexpected strength, conducting effective intelligence activities, taking all kinds of deceptive actions, changing tactics and combat methods, and doing a good job in operational secrecy.

Simple (simple)

It is necessary to draft concise plans and orders to ensure a thorough understanding of them. Prepare clear and uncomplicated plans and concise orders to ensure thorough understanding. )

No matter strategically or tactically, instructions, plans and orders should be as concise as possible within the scope of achieving their goals. A more traditional approach is to apply the principle of brevity within the tactical scope. However, the strategic significance of this principle far exceeds its tactical significance. This is an important factor in gaining and expanding public support. If the American people want to put their lives and resources into some kind of military action, they must know what they want to achieve. Therefore, political and military purposes and actions must be clarified in concise and easy-to-understand language, and simple and straightforward plans and orders can't make up for the bad influence caused by vague and ambiguous purposes. When this principle is applied to military operations, it helps to maintain strategic flexibility, because it only advocates general strategic guidance rather than giving relevant specific instructions.

Tactically, concise plans and instructions contribute to the success of combat operations. Direct planning and concise orders are necessary to reduce misunderstanding and confusion. Other things being equal, the simplest plan that can be implemented immediately is preferable to the complex plan that can be implemented later.