Principles of War: Simplicity

The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also help analyze martial arts training and optimize the capabilities of a martial artist.

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Simplicity

The ninth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Simplicity”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Simplicity” is defined.

“Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.

“4-48. Plans and orders should be simple and direct. Simple plans and clear, concise orders reduce misunderstanding and confusion. The factors of METTTC determine the degree of simplicity required. Simple plans executed on time are better than detailed plans executed late. Commanders at all levels weigh the apparent benefits of a complex concept of operations against the risk that subordinates will not be able to understand or follow it.

"4-49. Multinational operations put a premium on simplicity. Differences in language, doctrine, and culture complicate multinational operations. Simple plans and orders minimize the confusion inherent in this complex environment. The same applies to operations involving interagency and nongovernmental organizations.”

According to tradition Napoleon selected a different corporal to follow him around every day. When Napoleon prepared orders for his generals he read them first to the corporal. Only when the corporal understood the orders would Napoleon issue them to his generals. He figured that if the orders were simple enough for the corporal to understand then his generals would understand them also. This is the essence of simplicity.

Lee’s plan and orders at Chancellorsville were simple in extreme. He told Jackson to attack Hooker’s flank and he told Stuart to watch Hooker’s movements. Lee ordered his other corps to cover the Union front. That’s just about it. Simplicity, demonstrated by the master of the Principles of War.

Desert Storm was an incredibly complex operation which required incredibly complex plans and orders. It’s difficult to reduce war waged by a modern army to simplicity (army in the broadest sense including ground, air, and naval forces). However, the concept of the operation was simple.

First, destroy everything that can be destroyed from the air and deceive the enemy into believing an amphibious assault from the Gulf was imminent. Second, send the Marines to liberate Kuwait and the Army to drive straight into Iraq.

This simple concept was complex in execution. Its successful execution was a tribute to the doctrine, training, and leadership of the United States military of all branches. But, it wasn’t simple.

Simple self defense is much easier to achieve than simplicity in modern war. It consists of mastering fundamental tactics and techniques and sticking to them. It requires choosing a simple defense strategy and executing it violently.

For the martial artist simplicity is similar. Simple martial arts training will focus on fundamental tactics and techniques. Martial arts competition begins with a simple strategy for defeating each opponent (after scouting their habits and weaknesses).

“Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.”

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War