Allied Air Power Doctrine: Royal Air Force War Manual; Volume I - Chapter 1: Principles of War

General Considerations

1. War is a continuation of national policy by resort to force as the final means of settling a dispute. What-ever its nature, whether it is a conflict between two or more nations or merely a minor operation the object of which is to punish a refractory tribe, the principles of war are the same, varying only in their application.

2. This volume deals mainly with the conditions likely to be encountered in a war of the first magnitude against a highly organized and industrialized nation, and allowances must be made for the varying conditions of lesser wars. A war of the first magnitude involves the whole of the man-power and material resources of the nation and can therefore only be effectively waged when the nation is united and firm in its determination to win.

The Aim in War

3. The aim of a nation at war is to compel the enemy as quickly and economically as possible to conform to its purpose or will. Thus the ultimate aim of all armed forces is identical, though the means to achieve that aim may differ.

4. So long as war is confined to the sea and to the land, it is possible for the armed forces of a nation to form a barrier, behind which the will power and resources ofthe nation can be sheltered and preserved. In such cir­cumstances the destruction of this protective barrier is an essential preliminary to victory and the principal aim of a nation's sea or land forces may be the destruc­tion of the opposing sea or land forces.

5. This condition does not altogether apply to the operation of aircraft in war, because their movements cannot he restricted by hostile action to the degree possible in sea or land operations. Unaffected by the configuration of the earth's surface, aircraft have the ability to move freely in three dimensions ; they are thus able to strike rapidly and directly at the vital centres of the enemy which may be any centre essential to the maintenance of any or all of the enemy fighting forces.

6. To this direct air attack it is extremely difficult for an air force itself to offer an opposing barrier, because the wide space of the air and the condition of cloud and wind confers unique powers of evasion on the attacking aircraft and renders their timely interception uncertain. Even should interception be effected, the defenders cannot be said to possess absolute stopping powers, and cannot altogether prevent the attackers reaching their objective if the attack is made with sufficient deter­mination.

7. The aim of the air force, in concert with the Navy and Army, is to break down the enemy's resistance. The air force will contribute to this aim by attacks on objectives calculated to achieve this end, in addition to direct co-operation with the Navy and Army, and in furtherance of the policy of His Majesty's Government at the time.

The Principles of War

8. The principles of war are :

Maintenance of the aim.

The offensive.

Surprise.

Concentration.

Economy of Force.

Security.

Mobility.

Co-operation.

9. The principles of war, as they affect the leading and training of the Royal Air Force, may be defined briefly as follows :

(i)Maintenance of the aim.—In war, the aim of every operation should he clearly defined and, once settled, it must be constantly held in view.

(ii)The offensive.—Victory can only be won as a result of offensive action. The offensive and defensive phases of an operation are inseparable, and no offensive can be maintained unless it be conducted from secure foundations.

(iii) Surprise.—Surprise is the most effective and powerful asset in war. With its aid can be achieved a moral and material effect out of all proportion to the losses incurred or the effort expended. The chief means by which surprise may be obtained are secrecy, originality, superiority of organization or manoeuvre and advanced technical or scientific development.

(iv) Concentration.—Concentration is application of purpose and energy towards achievement of a single aim. The maximum effort, moral, physical and material, must be concentrated at the critical time and place.

(v) Economy of force.—To economise strength while compelling a dissipation of that of the enemy. This involves the correct distribution and employ­ment of all resources in order to develop the utmost striking power, and, at the same time, provide an adequate measure of security.

(vi) Security.—Security implies physical and moral protection against all contingencies. The security of a force and of its bases is the first responsibility of a commander. A force adequately protected retains its liberty of action and preserves its efficiency.

(vii) Mobility.—Mobility implies speed and endur­ance in movement, and flexibility of organization.

(viii) Co-operation.—The action of all parts of a force must be so co-ordinated as to achieve the maximum combined effort from the whole. Personal good will throughout all ranks is essential to this end.

The Application of the Principles

10. The art of war lies in the correct application of the foregoing principles to the varied and ever-changing conditions of active operations. The rapidity with which events move and situations change during modern warfare demands a quickness of perception, a balanced judgment, and a speed of decision which can result only from a sound knowledge of war based on practical experience and study.

11. Impressions produced by actual experience are the more lasting and there is consequently a tendency to overrate their importance. This must he checked by the reflection that the scope of personal experience, however wide, is strictly limited. Neither experience nor study is of value without the ability to make correct deductions from the lessons of the past in direct relation to the problems of the future.