Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 54:46-56:13

A proposed reason for six Ps instead of seven

One interpretation treats the British six-P form as already placing planning before action, while an American seven-P variant makes that timing explicit with the word prior.

Decision MakingMilitary Planning
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Question

Does the six-P planning maxim need a seventh P for prior?

Short answer

In this interpretation, no. Planning already precedes action, while the seven-P variant states that timing explicitly.

Notes

The six-P maxim is "Proper planning prevents piss poor performance"; adding "prior" produces the seven-P version. One proposed explanation is that British usage omits the extra word because planning is already understood to take place before action begins. Once execution is under way, people are adapting or reacting to events rather than working through the original planning phase. In this interpretation, proper preparation leaves options ready for use. The seven-P form reported in American comments makes the timing explicit, while the six-P version carries the same assumption.