When considering the principles of war, which one would be most relevant to unexpected tactics during combat?

Maneuver is the principle of war that is most relevant to unexpected tactics during combat. This principle emphasizes the importance of movement and adaptability on the battlefield, allowing forces to gain an advantageous position over the enemy. Utilizing unexpected tactics often involves repositioning, flanking maneuvers, and leveraging terrain to outsmart and outmaneuver opponents.

When forces can rapidly change their strategies and tactics, they can capitalize on the element of surprise, which can be decisive in combat scenarios. Effective maneuvering can disrupt enemy plans and create openings for attack, leading to a more favorable operational outcome.

In contrast, while economy of force focuses on resource allocation and ensuring that all units are optimally employed, unity of command stresses coherence in leadership and decision-making. Mass involves concentrating combat power at the decisive point, but this by itself may not encompass the dynamic nature of employing unexpected tactics. Thus, maneuver stands out as the principle that directly correlates to the unpredictability and flexibility required in combat situations.