Murphy's Laws of Combat

1. If the enemy is in range, so are you.

2. Incoming fire has the right of way.

3. Don't look conspicuous, it draws fire. (For this reason, aircraft carriers have been called "Bomb Magnets.")

4. There is always a way.

5. The easy way is always mined.

6. Try to look unimportant; they may be low on ammo.
(Trivia devotees will recall the sudden disappearance of rank and distinctive caps on uniforms worn by Soviet officers in Afghanistan.)

7. Professionals are predictable; it's the amateurs that are dangerous.

8. The enemy invariably attacks on two occasions:
a. When you're ready for them.
b. When you're not ready for them.

9. Teamwork is essential; it gives them someone else to shoot at.

10. The enemy diversion you have been ignoring will be the main attack.

11 If your attack is going well, you have walked into an ambush.

12. Never draw fire; it irritates everyone around you.

13. Anything you do can get you shot, including nothing.

14. Make it tough enough for the enemy to get in and you won't be able to get out.
(This seems to be the guiding design principle behind the Soviet's BMP and the Bradley infantry vehicle, both of which nicely package the troops in armored boxes for group destruction.)

15. Never share a foxhole with anyone braver than yourself.