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Carl Von Clausewitz was a military philosopher during the time of Napoleon.  His most famous contribution is the book, On War, which outlines nine principles of war that are used in officer schools for many Western armies including the United States Army.  They are: Mass "Get there first with the most" Example: Mass-based armies of Russia (ex. infantry) and the US (ex. M4 Sherman Tanks) during WWII led to general victory Objective Choose an objective and stick with it Example: Coalition troops maintained the objective in Operation Desert Sabre and didn't try to do too much by entering Iraq, which we now know would have caused major problems. Offensive Seize the Initiative Example: General McClellan's Army of the Potomac in the American Civil War failed to seize the initiative Maneuver Move to more advantageous positions Example: Hannibal's Army at the Battle of Cannae maneuvered around the larger Roman Army and defeated it Unity of Command Place your entire force under the command of a single entity Example: Japanese defenders on Iwo-Jima wasted lots of time and effort by switching commanders halfway through the preparation effort Security Don't let the enemy rob you of your advantages Example: Japanese Navy at Midway lost its element of surprise (because its communications were intercepted) and lost Simplicity Keep your plans clear and simple Example: Guerrilla militiamen (ex. Aidid's militia in the Battle of Mogadishu) have a much simpler plan that the professional armies they have to fight Surprise Attack when the enemy least suspects it Example: Germanic tribes slaughtered 24,000 professional Roman soldiers at the Battle of Teutoberg Forest Economy of Force Allocate your limited forces wisely Example: Germany Army during WWII did not get immediately overrun despite a 13million-56million numerical disadvantage For more information, read:Armchair General: WarCollegehttp://www.military-quotes.com/Clausewitz.htm How to Make War by James DunniganOn WarMilitary History Podcast is sponsored by Armchair General Magazine and the International Research and Publishing Corporation