A military operation which is progressing favorably, whatever the medium of action, may therefore be justifiably stated to include provision for the following salient features:
Effective action with relation to correct physical objectives,
Projection of military action from advantageous relative positions,
Proper apportionment of fighting strength, and
Ensurance of adequate freedom of action.
Since, at any moment of its successful prosecution, a military operation presents, inherently ([page 38]), a favorable military situation, the salient features of such an operation constitute, also, the salient features of a favorable military situation. Manifestly, any deficiencies in these respects will indicate that in certain particulars the situation is not entirely favorable, if not actually unfavorable.
Determination of the Salient Features. Because the form which a military operation takes, in the effort to attain a military objective, depends upon the factors which are the universal determinants ([page 36]) of the character of the effort, the salient features of such an operation are determined by the same factors. A valid guide as to determination of the salient features of a favorably progressing military operation, seen (above) to be identical with those of a favorable military situation, may therefore be formulated as a principle for determining these salient features, as follows:
The determination of
| Correct physical objectives, Advantageous relative positions, Proper apportionment of fighting strength, and Provision for adequate freedom of action | depends on their | Suitability, as determined by the factor of the appropriate
effect desired. Feasibility, by reason of relative fighting strength, as determined by the factors of the means available and opposed, influenced by the factor of the characteristics of the theater of operations, and Acceptability, as determined by the factor of the consequences as to costs. |
Since the particular character of each salient feature of a situation, or of an operation, is determined by the influence, exerted by the identical factors (as noted), there is a resulting interdependency, important though indirect, among the several features. This interdependency is explained hereafter. (Chapter IV).