Which principle relates to having a single leader make decisions for effective military command?

The principle of unity of command is fundamental in ensuring effective military operations by establishing a singular authority responsible for decision-making. This principle ensures that all forces operate under the direction of one leader, which creates clear lines of responsibility and avoids confusion that can arise when multiple leaders are involved in making decisions.

By having a single commander, the military can ensure that objectives are clear, coordination among various units is enhanced, and the overall strategy is followed without the risk of conflicting orders. This coherence is critical during complex operations where timely and decisive actions are necessary for success.

In contrast, the principles of security, maneuver, and mass—while also important in military operations—do not specifically address the need for a single leader for effective decision-making. Security focuses on protecting forces and operations from adversary actions, maneuver emphasizes the movement of forces to gain advantageous positions, and mass pertains to concentrating combat power to achieve decisive effects. Each of these plays a vital role in military strategy, but they do not encapsulate the organizational clarity and authority established by unity of command.