Which principle emphasizes acting with restraint in military operations?

The principle that emphasizes acting with restraint in military operations is indeed Restraint. This principle underscores the importance of using military force judiciously and in a manner that minimizes unnecessary harm to civilians and infrastructure, preserves resources, and maintains the moral high ground. It promotes careful consideration of the potential consequences of military actions, encouraging forces to limit engagements to those that are necessary to achieve strategic objectives.

In the context of military operations, exercising restraint can enhance the legitimacy of a mission, fostering local and international support while mitigating backlash that could arise from perceived excessive force or collateral damage.

While legitimacy focuses on the perceived rightness of actions taken, perseverance refers to maintaining commitment to objectives amid challenges, and simplicity emphasizes straightforward and clear plans to reduce confusion in operations, none of these directly address the need for restraint in the use of force. Thus, Restraint stands out as the principle most aligned with this concept in military ethics and strategy.