Page 58 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA
experience we would be able to enhance the will power necessary to
overcome the friction.

In this context SLN have acquired considerable experiences in conduct of
Insurgency, Guerrilla warfare or semi conventional or conventional type
of warfare since independence. Those experiences are unquestionably
beneficial as the Navy prepares for future conflicts and leaders assume
responsibilities at the operational and strategic levels.

Hence, training should be arranged to simulate the near conditions of
war. However, it is required to note that it is highly impossible to fully
create exact conditions to experience the level of friction of real war.

Uncertainty

‘Uncertainty’ or ‘Fog of War’ is another pervasive attribute of war. It is
obvious that all actions in war take place in an uncertain atmosphere.
Uncertainty creates in the form of unconfirmed/unknown facts on the
enemy, about the environment and own and friendly situations. In order
to reduce the uncertainty, gathering information is the only way out.
However, it is kept in mind that, it is very difficult to eliminate and war is
in its nature make certainty impossible as all actions in war will be based
on incomplete, inaccurate or contradictory information. 19
Therefore, maritime forces must be able to determine possibilities and
probabilities. This enhances our standard of military judgment. Thereby
judging possibilities and probabilities we make assumptions of our
enemy’s core capabilities and actions to reduce uncertainty of war.

“All warfare is based on deception.“

Sun Tzu

By utilizing Navy Planning Process (NPP), we could make our judgment
effectively to reduce uncertainty. It helps to develop simple, flexible
plans including of likely contingencies and fostering initiative among
subordinates.

40 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea