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

PREFACE
1. Scope
This publication is the capstone joint doctrine publication and provides doctrine for
unified action by the Armed Forces of the United States. It specifies the authorized
command relationships and authority that military commanders can use, provides guidance
for the exercise of that military authority, provides fundamental principles and guidance for
command and control, prescribes guidance for organizing and developing joint forces, and
describes policy for selected joint activities. It also provides the doctrinal basis for
interagency coordination and for US military involvement in multiagency and multinational
operations.
2. Purpose
a. The US Armed Forces fulfill unique and crucial roles, defending the US against all
adversaries while serving the Nation as a bulwark and the guarantor of its security and
independence. The US Armed Forces function within the American system of civil-military
relations and serve under the civilian control of the President, the Commander in Chief. The
US Armed Forces embody the highest values and standards of American society and the
profession of arms.
b. The nature of the challenges to the US and its interests demand that the Armed
Forces operate as a closely integrated joint team with interagency and multinational partners
across the range of military operations. Using a whole-of-government approach is essential
to advancing our interests to strengthen security relationships and capacity by, with, and
through military forces of partner nations, US and foreign government agencies, state and
local government agencies, and intergovernmental or nongovernmental organizations. To
succeed, we must refine and proportionally integrate the military with all of the tools of
American power and work with our partner nations to do the same. Our military must
maintain its conventional superiority while continuing to enhance its capacity to defeat
threats. As long as nuclear weapons exist, our nuclear deterrent capability must also be
maintained and modernized. When international forces are needed to respond to threats and
keep the peace, we will make every effort to ensure international partners are ready, able,
and willing. We will continue to build support in other countries and promote global peace
and stability through the United Nations and other regional organizations, such as the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and the African Union.
c. Joint Operations. Effective integration of joint forces is intended to address
functional or geographic vulnerabilities. This does not mean that all forces will be equally
represented in each operation. Joint force commanders (JFCs) may choose the capabilities
they need from the forces at their disposal.
3. Application
a. This publication is written to assist members of the Armed Forces of the United
States, including the National Guard, to operate successfully together. The joint team is
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