Morale: The Tenth Principle of War

Abstract

There is no question that the nine principles of war currently embodied in the United States Joint Military Doctrine are valid. However, the principle "morale" should he included as the tenth principle of war. The characteristics of morale are common to the other principles of war, can stand the tests of time and technology, geography, medium of combat, and can be applied at all levels of war to guide the commander in the planning and execution of operations. Countries such as Britain, China, New Zealand, and Australia believe morale is so important that they made it one of their principles of war. Furthermore, great military leaders and writers such as Sun Tzu, Clausewitz, Jomini, Field Marshal Montgomery, and General Eisenhower have all stated beliefs on the importance of morale concerning combat operations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 08, 2000
Accession Number
ADA378596

Entities

People

  • Mark A. Sturges

Organizations

  • Naval War College

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  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
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  • Combat Operations
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  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies