Which of the following is NOT one of the thirteen Principles of Joint Operations?

The correct answer is the principle known as Independence, which is not included among the thirteen Principles of Joint Operations.

The thirteen Principles of Joint Operations serve as foundational guidelines for military organizations when engaging in joint operations. These principles, such as Unity of Command and Economy of Force, help ensure coordinated and effective action among units and branches of the armed forces, enhancing operational success. Unity of Command refers to the importance of having a single commander in control of all forces to streamline decision-making and execution. Economy of Force emphasizes the allocation of minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts, allowing more resources to be concentrated on primary objectives.

Independence, on the other hand, is not recognized as one of these principles. While autonomy may play a role in the operation of individual units, the principles focus on cooperation, collective effort, and effective coordination among forces to achieve overall mission goals. Unity of Effort, also part of the thirteen principles, highlights the need for all elements of the military to work together toward a common objective, reinforcing the importance of collaboration rather than independence. This focus on synergy among different military branches further solidifies why Independence does not align with the established principles.