in a philosophical sense. Is it know thy enemy?
2007-10-02 07:28:19 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
There is no recognized as the 'first rule of war.' There are however what are known as 'the principles of war.' These are a set of rules of thumb to be sued when planning and conducting military operations.
Below is a link that discusses these principles.
2007-10-02 08:31:22 · answer #1 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends who you ask. I've heard:
Young men and women will die.
Fight on one front at a time.
Express your aims.
No plan ever survives contact with the enemy.
Know thy enemy.
Mobilize and field the largest possible force.
Do what you ask your men to do.
Dehumanize and demonize the enemy.
Get the other poor bastard before he gets you.
Personally, I'd say the first rule of war is survive.
Or maybe, two men enter, one man leaves...it's a tossup.
2007-10-02 14:39:18 · answer #2 · answered by 8of2kinds 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes.
in Sun Tzu's "Art of War" The first chapter, "Planning," explores the five key elements that define competitive position (mission, climate, ground, leadership, and methods) and how to evaluate your competitive strengths against your competition.
If any book can be said to have the rules of war, I would say that nearly every military leader on earth would quote this book.
2007-10-02 14:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, it's: there are no rules. War imposes enough constraints as it is. To impose additional constraints on yourself would be foolish. Note that I'm not advocating total war, I'm just saying that if you create rules and always play by them, they could come back to limit your capability.
2007-10-02 14:34:47 · answer #4 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Beat the hell out of the bad guys using maximum firepower. Then keep beating the hell out of them until they either (1) unconditionally surrender or (2) there are none left to kill.
2007-10-02 14:41:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Rule #1: Don't talk about the war.
Rule #2: DON"T TALK ABOUT THE WAR!
Rule #3: If its your first night at the war, you have to fight.
2007-10-02 14:34:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 3⤋
yep know thy enemy
2007-10-02 14:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by jimmynewtron_08 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
First, war must be declared by congress. Then it is fought and won and then our troops come home in victory. The complete opposite of what we're doing in Iraq.
2007-10-02 14:32:18 · answer #8 · answered by jeb black 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Defeat your enemy so brutally and mercilessly that no one will ever test you again.
Walk softly and quietly but be prepared to devastate those who cross you.
2007-10-02 15:02:50 · answer #9 · answered by STUCK IN LIMBO 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Play to win would be my first rule.
2007-10-02 14:31:24 · answer #10 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋