This manual, Army Doctrine Publication ADP 1 The Army July 2019, along with ADP 3-0, Operations, are the two Army capstone doctrinal manuals that serve as the foundation of our professional body of knowledge. It explains our Army's historical significance in the formation and preservation of our Nation and its role today and in the future as a member of the joint force to guarantee the Nation's strength and independence. At the heart of this doctrine is the professional Soldier–our true asymmetric advantage and most valued asset.
Today's Soldiers are the legacy of the millions of Soldiers who came before them. They each freely volunteer to serve a higher purpose—an ideal greater than themselves. Soldiers continually demonstrate their character, commitment, and competence to protect our Nation under demanding and complex conditions. The oath they freely take to the Constitution of the United States is our Soldiers' sacred bond to maintain the confidence of the American people as trusted professionals in the world's premier land force.
The Army's unique role as part of the joint force is to shape operational environments, prevent conflicts, conduct large-scale ground combat operations, and consolidate gains to achieve enduring national objectives. Only the Army is capable of mounting sustained large-scale ground combat operations. The Total Army, comprised of the Regular Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve, provides the Nation with a land force unequaled in skill, adaptability, professionalism, and power.
In today's volatile operational environment, our Army must remain ready to answer the Nation's call anywhere and anytime, with little or no notice. Because of this, readiness for large-scale ground combat is our first priority. While we continue to develop future capabilities and care for families, we take best care of our Soldiers when we maintain our solemn commitment to never send Soldiers into harm's way unless they are fully trained, properly equipped, and most importantly, properly led. This is our moral imperative and what the American people trust us to do. The fundamental role of the American Soldier today is the same as it was over 244 years ago—to win. That is the challenge our Army must always be ready to meet, today and tomorrow.
ADP 1 is prepared under the direction of the Chief of Staff of the Army. It delineates the Army's roles and core competencies by deriving them from the Constitution; Title 10, United States Code (USC); and DODD 5100.01. It establishes the fundamental principles for employing Army forces, addresses the Army's contributions to the joint force, and highlights our interdependence with the joint force. Lastly, ADP 1 emphasizes the professional Soldier and the characteristics of the future force that will enable the Army to maintain its commitment to the Nation.
Army doctrine supports and is consistent with joint doctrine. This publication connects Army doctrine to joint doctrine as expressed in relevant joint publications, especially JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States, and JP 3-0, Joint Operations.
The principal audience for ADP 1 is all members of the Profession of Arms, executive and legislative leaders, and unified action partners.
ADP 1 uses joint terms where applicable. For terms and their definitions in the text, the term is italicized and the number of the proponent publication follows the definition. Bolded words show only emphasis, not formal terms.
ADP 1 applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard of the United States, the Army National Guard while in the service of the United States, the United States Army Reserve, and Department of the Army Civilians unless otherwise stated.