PPT Slide
To what extent does this course of action
conform to the Principle of Surprise?
"There is a strength with respect to surprise in COA BLUE-BRIGADE-COA4-1-1-MT because the enemy is unlikely to be prepared for the heavy concentration of combat power applied by BLUE-TASK-FORCE1 as MAIN-EFFORT1 in action PENETRATE1. In this action, MAIN-EFFORT1 is applying a force ratio of 10.6 which is more than double the recommended force ratio 3.0. Applying this much combat power for this action is likely to surprise the enemy and is indicative of the proper application of the principle of surprise."
Reference: FM 100-5 pg 2-5, KF 118.1, KF 118.2, KF 118.3 - Surprise is achieved by striking/engaging the enemy in a time, place or manner for which he is unprepared. The enemy can be surprised by the tempo of the operation, the size of the force, the direction or location of the main effort, and timing. Factors contributing to surprise include speed, effective intelligence, deception, application of unexpected combat power, operations security, and variations in tactics and methods of operation.