JP 1, Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States - Defense ...

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
COMMANDER’S OVERVIEW
• Discusses the Theory and Foundations of Joint Doctrine
• Characterizes Doctrine Governing Unified Direction of Armed Forces
• Outlines the Functions of the Department of Defense and Its Major Components
• Details Doctrine for Joint Commands
• Describes the Fundamental Principles for Joint Command and Control
• Addresses Joint Force Development
Theory and Foundations
This publication provides
overarching guidance and
fundamental principles for the
employment of the Armed
Forces of the United States.
Jointness of the Joint Force
War is socially sanctioned
violence to achieve a political
purpose.
Warfare is the mechanism,
method, or modality of armed
Joint Publication 1 is the capstone publication of the US
joint doctrine hierarchy. It is a bridge between policy
and doctrine and describes the authorized command
relationships and authority that military commanders can
use and other operational matters derived from Title 10,
United States Code (USC). The purpose of joint doctrine
is to enhance the operational effectiveness of joint forces
by providing fundamental principles that guide the
employment of US military forces toward a common
objective.
Jointness implies cross-Service combination wherein the
capability of the joint force is understood to be
synergistic, with the sum greater than its parts (the
capability of individual components). The joint force is a
values based organization. The character,
professionalism, and values of our military leaders have
proven to be vital for operational success.
War can result from the failure of states to resolve their
disputes by diplomatic means. War historically involves
nine principles, collectively and classically known as the
principles of war (objective, offensive, mass, economy of
force, maneuver, unity of command, security, surprise,
and simplicity).
Warfare continues to change and be transformed by
society, diplomacy, politics, and technology. The US
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