What concept in MCDP 1 refers to the ability to act first and create advantage?

The concept in MCDP 1 that refers to the ability to act first and create advantage is initiative. In the context of military operations and the principles of warfighting, initiative is crucial because it allows forces to seize opportunities and dictate the pace and nature of engagements. By acting first, a commander can disrupt the opponent's plans, create uncertainty, and exploit weaknesses, ultimately leading to a more favorable engagement for their forces.

Initiative is not just about taking action; it encompasses the mindset of proactive decision-making, where leaders encourage their subordinates to make timely decisions in response to changing circumstances. This understanding of initiative fosters a culture of boldness and responsiveness, essential for maintaining an edge in combat and operational success.

The other concepts, while important, focus on different aspects of military effectiveness. Adaptability deals with the ability to adjust tactics and strategies in response to new information or changes in the environment. Resilience refers to the capability to recover quickly from difficulties and maintain operational effectiveness despite setbacks. Collaboration emphasizes the importance of teamwork and coordination between different units or partners. While all these concepts contribute to overall operational success, initiative is specifically about proactive action to seize the advantage.