The Decrease in Mass Appeal: How Transformation and Technology Have Changed the Principles of War

Abstract

Abstract : Valid, current, and relevant principles of war are imperative to the employment of combat force. Principles of war reside at the core of our military doctrine. Military doctrine directly impacts training methods. Training develops the tactics, techniques, and procedures which are utilized to engage in combat operations. The military professional must maintain an inherent belief and trust in the guiding truths which directly shape the methods in which combat force is employed. Technological advances and transfbrmation have significantly changed the contemporary principles of war. The fandamental maxims culled by centuries of military philosophers and commanders to serve as rules of thumb are not immutable. The current principles are no longer adequate to steer future generations of combat leaders on the quest for victory. Utilizing the principle of mass as an illustrative example, this paper will show how emergent technology and the move to transform the United States armed forces for the future subsequently results in the requirement to transform the principles of war. This paper will focus on the need for a neoteric restatement of the principles of war - once considered to be immutable - as opposed to a simple refinement of the definitions.