Which of the following is NOT one of the principles of war highlighted in MCDP 1?

The principle identified as not being part of the principles of war highlighted in MCDP 1 is deceit. In military doctrine, principles of war are guidelines that shape the conduct of warfare and strategic operations, addressing how military forces should operate to achieve objectives effectively.

The principles such as offensive, economy of force, and unity of command are considered foundational in planning and executing military campaigns.

• The offensive principle emphasizes the necessity of taking the initiative in combat, dictating the terms of battle, and seeking decisive engagement with the enemy.

• Economy of force relates to efficiently utilizing resources to maximize combat effectiveness while minimizing waste. It’s about properly allocating and distributing available forces and resources to achieve the most strategic impact.

• Unity of command stresses the importance of maintaining a single point of control and direction over military operations to ensure coherence and efficiency in execution.

In contrast, deceit is not recognized as a formal principle of war in MCDP 1. While deception can be a tactic employed to mislead the enemy, it lacks the foundational status and broad strategic applicability of the established principles, which serve to guide the overall conduct of warfare.