Axioms are self-evident statements asserted as indisputable facts. We have sought to keep the set of axioms underlying this theory of combat to the absolute minimum, and we believe the important tenets of our theory should and can be traceable to these few axioms. Military combat involves deadly interaction between military forces. A military force is defined as a set of elements that are activated for the purpose of engaging in combat.
Deadly interaction includes the direct use of deadly means and the threat of using deadly means.
Insofar as nonlethal weapons may be used, they are always backed up by deadly means should the latter be needed. In combat each side seeks to achieve a goal, called its mission, which has perceived value. The mission of a force is the specific task assigned it by higher authority or presumed by the commander of the force based on guidance from higher authority. Combat potential is embodied in military forces. Combat potential is the latent capacity of a military force to achieve results in combat.