What principle must the commander of a unit follow to ensure mission success?

The principle that the commander of a unit must follow to ensure mission success is enforcing the unit's PMMs (Preventive Maintenance Measures). By prioritizing PMMs, the commander helps to ensure that equipment, vehicles, and other vital resources are maintained in optimal working condition, which directly supports mission readiness and effectiveness. Proper enforcement of PMMs minimizes the risk of equipment failures and logistical issues during operations, thereby enhancing the unit’s overall performance and reliability in the field.

While encouraging team-building activities, promoting recreational time, and reducing training hours may have their own benefits for unit morale and cohesion, they do not directly address the immediate operational readiness that PMMs provide. In a military context, ensuring that resources are properly maintained and ready to operate is crucial for carrying out successful missions.