What does the principle of "mass" refer to in squad operations?

The principle of "mass" in squad operations refers to concentrating combat power at the decisive point. This principle emphasizes the importance of bringing together the necessary forces and resources to achieve a significant advantage at a specific location or during a critical moment in combat. By focusing strength and firepower where it can have the most impact, squads can effectively overwhelm an enemy and decisively influence the outcome of an engagement. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of available resources, enabling squads to achieve their objectives more efficiently and with a greater likelihood of success.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the concept of mass. Using minimal soldiers for efficiency could lead to under-resourcing critical areas, which is counterproductive during decisive engagements. Ensuring that all units operate independently may result in a lack of cohesion and reduced overall combat effectiveness, as independent actions can easily lead to fragmented efforts. Lastly, dividing forces to cover more ground might spread resources too thin, leading to vulnerabilities and decreased combat power at crucial points, undermining the principle of mass that advocates for concentration rather than dispersion.