This fundamental doctrine publication defines how, as soldiers and civilians in the U.S. military, we think about the strategic environment, develop and refine doctrine, and chart a course for the future. It is my vision of how the world has changed and how the Army will adapt to these changes, ensuring that we remain the dominant land force in the world and a critical component of the joint team.

Translation proposal

A key element of the way forward is to remain focused on the professionalism of our strength. Army values are the essence of who we are, and these values are based on a foundation of mutual trust between the soldiers, leaders, families and the American people we serve.

For the past 237 years, the U.S. Army has proudly served the nation by winning wars and securing peace. Our history is marked by decisive action in a wide range of missions - including regular and irregular warfare, humanitarian assistance operations, engagement with allies, and support for civilian authorities.

Today, our military is entering not only a period of transition, but also a very promising period. The strategic environment has become increasingly complex. Technological advances have created new ways of communicating with, understanding and influencing others. Technology also enables a much broader range of actors with whom we must interact and deal, including those who gather virtually in cyberspace, without being limited by physical geography.

At the same time, a decade of war has reinforced timeless lessons about the central role of the human being in all aspects of military operations. We must build on this knowledge to change the way we think, plan and conduct all our activities. While some would argue that technology will simplify future military operations, the evidence indicates that warfare remains a fundamentally human enterprise. Direct engagement with the public has always been, and remains, one of the key strengths of the U.S. military. We must recognize and fully accept the changing environment that offers new avenues to maintain our pre-eminence.

As a member of the joint force, the U.S. military ensures mission accomplishment, guarantees national security interests, compels adversaries, pursues military campaigns, and achieves sustainable strategic results. This is what the American people expect and what our nation's continued freedom demands. War is our primary mission. Everything we do should be based on this fundamental principle. We must be responsive to the combatant commanders within the joint force and quickly dominate any operational environment across the full spectrum of military operations.


While we cannot predict the future, we can be certain that our nation will continue to rely on the U.S. military. In the future, we will be an army in transition. An Army that will apply the lessons learned in recent combat as we prepare to meet evolving threats. An Army that remains adaptive, innovative, versatile and ready as part of Joint Force 2020.

RAYMOND T. ODIERNO General, United States Army Chief of Staff

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