Principles of War on an Airman’s Perspective and Tenets of Air Power

The nine (9) principles of war and the current operational environment

The current operational environment is unstable because of the evolving geopolitics,

insurgencies, tension causing globalization due to competition/claiming of resources
and the continuous technology advancement. These factors will lead to further
operational challenges. Such adversaries will rely on strategic capabilities and a well-
developed conventional force structures which is causing to question the value and
applicability of the existing principles of war.

The question is, do the principles of war fit to this current operational environment? Yes,
indeed. The principles of war just like those adversaries were developed overtime and
reflect the manner in which we fought and planned. It still serves its purpose as a
guiding principle to actions concerning operational applications and providing a better
understanding of warfare and the likes. Hence, the principles of war are only limited to
guidelines only. It can never be used as checklist to addressing operational challenges
and adversaries.

Critical Thinking and Strategic Thinking

Critical thinking when analyzed is the broader term. It can include strategic thinking but
it can also include other forms of non-strategic analysis such s criticism of plans.
Strategic thinking, when used accurately, is much narrower, focusing specifically on the
world of competition. By definition, a strategy is an action chosen in an environment
where other people will react to your actions. You must choose strategic actions based
on what you expect from others to respond. Strategic Thinking is thinking beyond the
specific issue or task at hand. It will focus on short-term and long-term consequences,
effects, interdependence and indirect effects.

On the other hand, Critical thinking about actions that act on inanimate objects is much
simpler and depends on a precise analysis of the nature of the object. Critical thinking is
the set of tools, methodology, and process that you use in problem solving, decision-
making, innovation, leadership, negotiation, influence, and other activities.

By mastering these strategies, you will be good at taking the initiative, calculating risks,
identifying opportunities for active use, eliminating unproductive conflict situations, and
weighing the consequences of your next actions.

The Art of War and the AFP strategy against enemies at present
The Art of War has rightly become one of the world’s most influential books on military
approach. It provides strategies that can be used and applied to uphold justice and
morality in combat. Indisputably Sun Tzu’s opinion of having the necessity for
understanding the enemy’s plans, dispositions, strengths, and weaknesses is still
applicable at present. Preparing for a variety of enemy responses, not just the most
likely, is vital a part of any planning process. Also, the Art of War highlighted the
significance of constant learning on the battlefield and the significance of continually
adjusting tactics and avoiding predictability. As Sun Tzu noted on the book, “You do not
win in battle the same way twice.”

It is emphasized that a good and successful leader knows that if he is a man without
weapons or soldiers, then he needs to plan and develop strategies to turn this obvious
disadvantage into an advantage.
To win a war, the Armed Forces must possess all levels of situational awareness, focus
identification, flexibility, concentration of forces, coordination, unified command, good
leadership, and discipline. It can be accurately said that if an organization possesses
these attributes, it can defeat opponents that do not possess these attributes. The
strategy described is still applicable today, and applies to almost all aspects of human
interaction. Perhaps an update of those observations would include a caution to ensure
that if a war is to be prolonged, the strategy for it has to be sustainable.