What does the phrase "mission first, people always" convey in military operations?

The phrase "mission first, people always" emphasizes the importance of both mission success and the welfare of personnel involved in military operations. It conveys the idea that while accomplishing the mission is critical, the well-being and care of the service members are equally important and must be prioritized. This approach fosters a positive morale and emphasizes that people are the backbone of any military organization. By valuing personnel, leaders can enhance performance and ensure a sustainable force, ultimately contributing to successful mission outcomes.

In this context, the idea is not to view personnel as expendable or secondary but to balance the needs of the mission with the well-being of the people carrying it out, reinforcing that taking care of the troops leads to better mission performance and stronger organizational resilience.