Which principle focuses on allocating minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts so maximum power can go to primary efforts?

Which principle focuses on allocating minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts so maximum power can go to primary efforts?

• A. Unity of Command
• B. Economy of Force
• C. Security
• D. Mass

Answer: (B)

Economy of Force means using only the minimum essential combat power on secondary efforts so the majority of forces can stay concentrated for the main, decisive action. The idea is to keep enough strength in reserve and on supporting tasks to protect the main objective, exploit opportunities, and absorb shocks, while not draining the forces needed where the outcome will matter most. This requires judging priorities, risks, and timing—ensuring secondary tasks are kept small but effective, so the primary effort can maneuver, strike, and sustain the decisive blow. In contrast, the other principles focus on different aspects: Unity of Command is about clear, single-direction leadership; Security centers on protecting your forces and information; Mass is about concentrating overwhelming force at the decisive point. Economy of Force uniquely captures the disciplined distribution of forces to preserve power for the critical operation.

Economy of Force means using only the minimum essential combat power on secondary efforts so the majority of forces can stay concentrated for the main, decisive action. The idea is to keep enough strength in reserve and on supporting tasks to protect the main objective, exploit opportunities, and absorb shocks, while not draining the forces needed where the outcome will matter most. This requires judging priorities, risks, and timing—ensuring secondary tasks are kept small but effective, so the primary effort can maneuver, strike, and sustain the decisive blow.

In contrast, the other principles focus on different aspects: Unity of Command is about clear, single-direction leadership; Security centers on protecting your forces and information; Mass is about concentrating overwhelming force at the decisive point. Economy of Force uniquely captures the disciplined distribution of forces to preserve power for the critical operation.