Basics of Personal Defense: Laying the Foundation for Tactical Success

Article by: AP @Tradecraft USA

There are nine key principles that provide a timeless framework for strategic thought and action. Developed and refined over centuries, these tactical precepts emphasize clarity, efficiency, and adaptability in combat operations, helping commanders achieve success on the battlefield. Beyond military applications, they are also valuable in fields such as law enforcement, security, sports, business, and personal protection. An acronym commonly used to remember them is SUMO MOSES. The U.S. Armed Forces refer to these principles as "The Principles of War," but for our purposes, it is best to call them "The Basics of Personal Defense."

Below is a concise overview of each principle and its relevance to personal security and defensive action. As you read through them, keep in mind that these concepts should not be perceived as standalone items in a list, but rather as interconnected components of a system that overlap and build upon one another to achieve the desired outcome. Here are the core elements:

SECURITY: Always stay one step ahead of the threat. Minimize vulnerabilities by being aware of potential dangers, and protect yourself from surprise or manipulation. Gathering intelligence, monitoring your surroundings, and staying informed enhances your ability to protect yourself. Knowledge is power—use any information you can to stay safe and maintain control of the situation.

UNITY OF COMMAND: In any defensive situation, ensure that you have a clear plan and authority to act decisively. Whether you are acting alone or with others, it's crucial to know the legal boundaries and the objective. Without clear direction, confusion can lead to hesitation, mistakes, or worse. When working with others, make sure that everyone knows who is responsible for what and that communication is direct and clear.

MASS: Focus your strength where it will have the greatest impact. This may mean concentrating your energy, effort, or resources at the right time and place, whether in numbers, skill, or strategic advantage. Whether you are dealing with a threat in close quarters or in a larger environment, overwhelming force at a decisive moment can tip the balance in your favor.

OBJECTIVE: Every defensive action should have a clear purpose. Know what you’re trying to accomplish and make sure everyone involved understands the goal. Whether you're escaping a dangerous situation or taking protective action, understanding your objective will guide your decisions and keep you focused.

MANEUVER: Keep the threat off-balance by staying flexible and unpredictable in your movements. Look for opportunities to gain an advantage, whether it’s by finding better positions, utilizing cover, or exploiting weaknesses in the threat’s defenses. Effective maneuvering can make a big difference in staying safe and putting the threat in a disadvantageous position.

OFFENSIVE: Always take the initiative when possible. By being proactive, you maintain control of the situation, rather than waiting to react. Taking the offensive allows you to dictate the pace and outcome of the encounter. When you’re on the defensive, you give the advantage to the threat—maintaining the offensive ensures you stay in command.

SURPRISE: Strike when, where, and how the threat least expects it. The element of surprise can give you an overwhelming advantage, allowing you to respond swiftly and effectively. Deception, misdirection, and timing are key to gaining these benefits. However, always make sure your actions are legal and justified to avoid potential complications.

ECONOMY OF FORCE: Use your resources wisely. Don’t waste time, energy, or tools—be strategic about how you apply force. Every action should have a purpose, and you should avoid redundancy. Maximize the impact of your available resources—whether it's your physical strength, tools, or knowledge—to maintain control and stay safe.

SIMPLICITY: Keep your plans and actions straightforward and easy to follow. When faced with stress or danger, the simpler your approach, the better. Avoid unnecessary complexity, which can lead to confusion or errors. Stick to what you know works, and ensure that your actions are quick, clear, and effective. Simplicity also means being flexible—things may not always go as planned, so adaptability is key.

In Conclusion

Regardless of what you call these principles (Basics of Personal Defense, Principles of War, or Principles of Tactics), they can help you to approach personal defense in a more structured and deliberate way. By understanding and applying them—knowing your objective, ensuring security, and keeping things simple—you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim and significantly enhance your ability to respond when needed.

**Note - The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the basics of personal defense. Their application will be discussed in future articles. If you would like to be notified when the next article is published, type "NOTIFY ME" in the subject line and email us at admin@tradecraftusa.com**