Combat potential is the latent capacity of a military force to achieve results in combat. The commander on each side in combat activates combat potential to create combat power in furtherance of the mission. Combat power is the realized capability of a military force at any instant of time to achieve results in combat. Domination of the opposing military force is the ultimate means of accomplishing a mission. Domination is the result of imposing the will of one force on the opposing force through all the interactions of combat, especially those affecting the will and spirit.
Uncertainty is inherent in combat.
Uncertainty is a state of doubt about the combat situation, including its outcome. Uncertainty is distinguished from chance, which concerns unpredictable events that happen without discernible human or other cause. The principles of war are empirical precepts formulated as guides to the conduct of war and combat. Versions of principles have been set forth by many writers and by official military organizations. The versions differ in detail as to the number of principles and wording, yet there is remarkable similarity.