 They are enduring, but not immutable, absolute or prescriptive, and provide an appropriate foundation for all military activity.The relative importance of each may vary according to context; their application requires judgement, common sense and intelligent interpretation.Commanders also need to take into account the legitimacy of their actions, based on the legal, moral, political, diplomatic and ethical propriety of the conduct of military forces, once committed.”

The ten principles as listed and defined in the 2011 edition, unchanged from the 2008 edition, of BDD (which also provides explanation) are