How many broad principles are involved in conducting joint
operations?
The joint operations planning process involves nine broad principles as
outlined in Joint Publication 5-0, which is the blueprint for joint operations.
These principles are unity of effort, objective, offensive, mass, economy of
force, maneuver, unity of command, security, and surprise.
Here is a brief explanation of each principle:
- Unity of effort: A whole of government approach where all elements
coordinate efforts towards a common goal.
- Objective: The clearly defined, decisive, and attainable goal or end state
sought by a military operation.
- Offensive: Seizing, retaining, and exploiting the initiative to impose decisive
action and achieve the objective.
- Mass: Concentrating the effects of combat power at the decisive place and
time to achieve a disproportionate effect on an enemy force.
- Economy of force: Using minimum essential combat power to accomplish a
mission.
- Maneuver: The movement of forces in relation to each other to gain
positional advantage or achieve an objective.
- Unity of command: All forces operate under a single, responsible
commander.
- Security: The protection of friendly forces and assets.
- Surprise: Striking the enemy at a time or place or in a manner for which he is
unprepared.
These principles provide a framework for joint planning and execution, and
help ensure that all elements of a joint force work towards a common purpose.