FOUNDATIONS OF DOCTRINE: Wrap-up & Quiz

The whys of doctrine are deeply philosophical. They attempt to add structure and consistency to an inherently violent, chaotic enterprise. Let’s review some of the underpinning concepts of how why Army doctrine functions, and then take this week’s quiz.

Here’s a quick review of this week’s doses of doctrine.:

The major takeaways:

How Doctrine Is Connected

ADPs, FMs, and ATP are all related in the Army Doctrine Hierarchy:

• Army Doctrine Publications (ADPs) contain the overarching fundamental principles of how and why the Army operates.

• Field Manuals (FMs) contain tactics and procedures.

• Army Technique Publications (ATPs) contain, as the name implies, techniques for doing what we do, as directed by FMs within the guidance of ADPs.

• ADRPs (Army Doctrine Reference Publications) are being phased out and combined into ADPs to reduce redundancy.

The Capstones

• ADPs 1-0 (The Army) and 3-0 (Operations) are the capstone doctrine publications. Everything flows from them

Next: The KEYSTONES!

• There are 14 FMs and 14 other ADPs that combine to make the “keystone” publications of Army doctrine (and rank below the two “capstone” ADPs).

• Below FMs are ATPs, which cover the intricacies of techniques used in the field. Publications generally link by numbers. For instance. ADP 3-0 and FM 3-0 are both titled “Operations.” Publications dealing with specific types of operations are in the 3- series. For Example:

• FM 3-07 (Stability); ATP 3-07.5 (Stability Techniques); ATP 3-07.6 (Protection of Civilians)

Elements of Army Doctrine

Five basic elements of information are included in Army doctrine:

• Principles.

• Tactics.

• Techniques.

• Procedures.

• Terms and symbols.

Principles

• A Principle is a comprehensive and fundamental rule or an assumption of central importance that guides how an organization approaches and thinks about the conduct of operations.

• can apply to the conduct of operations in general or apply to specific organizations or functions.

• An example of a principle that applies to operations is the Principle of War Objective: Direct every military operation towards a clearly defined, decisive, and achievable goal.

Tactics

• Tactics is the employment and ordered arrangement of forces in relation to each other.

• They include the ordered arrangement and maneuver of units in relation to each other, the terrain, and the enemy in order to translate potential combat power into decisive results.

• Tactics vary with terrain and other circumstances; they change frequently as the enemy reacts.

• Tactics always require judgment in application and often require creative thinking; they are always descriptive, not prescriptive. (hmmmm sounds line “a way.”)

• May require using and integrating several techniques and procedures.

Techniques

• Techniques are non-prescriptive ways or methods used to perform missions, functions, or tasks. Techniques are more specific than tactics and less structured than procedures.

• Techniques are similar to tactics in that they are descriptive. They are similar to procedures in that they are often described in terms of steps.

• Soldiers choose specific techniques based on the situation and the precise mission or task.

• An example of a technique is a bounding overwatch.

Procedures

• Procedures are standard, detailed steps that prescribe how to perform specific tasks.

• They include formats for orders, reports, and control measures.

• Procedures are prescriptive. They consist of a series of steps in a set order that Soldiers complete the same way, at all times, regardless of circumstances or a series of formats that Soldiers must use without variation.

• An example of a procedure is a 9-line medical evacuation (known as MEDEVAC) message.

Terms And Symbols

• Terms and symbols are the language and graphics used on operations.

• Terms are words defined in doctrinal publications specifically for Army use and codified in ADP 1-02 and the DOD Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

• Symbols are those graphics defined specifically for military use.

• They are codified in MIL-STD-2525D.

• Symbols specific to large-scale ground combat operations are contained in ADP 1-02.

• Terms and symbols provide a common language used to communicate during the conduct of operations. Terms and symbols are prescriptive. They must be used as defined in ADP 1-02.

DESCRIPTIVE VERSUS PRESCRIPTIVE

• Doctrine clearly distinguishes between descriptive and prescriptive information.

• Most doctrine is descriptive; it must be applied with judgment and adjusted to the circumstances of an operational environment.

• Techniques and procedures have a clear distinction.

• Techniques are non-prescriptive ways to complete tasks

• Procedures are prescriptive ways to complete tasks.

• (Remember: Bounding overwatch is a technique; 9-line MEDEVAC is a procedure).

Examples of prescriptive doctrine:

• Adhere to the Army Ethic, laws of war, national law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and often Army regulations.

• Precisely use terms, symbols, and the language of the profession to ensure a common understanding.

• Adhere to control measures to ensure coordination, ensure synchronization, and prevent fratricide.

• Use report, message, and order formats to ensure information is reported rapidly, accurately, and in a commonly understood manner.

• Using the same approach or the same set of tools consistently often makes operations predictable, providing an enemy with valuable insights into methods to defeat a particular approach.

• Doctrine is much more about knowing how to think about the conduct of operations than it is about what to think.

• Doctrine is a starting point for determining how to accomplish missions and how to adjust and react to changing circumstances.

THE ROLE OF DOCTRINE

• Doctrine serves as a starting point for thinking about and conducting operations.

• Doctrine makes six basic contributions to the conduct of operations and the development of military professionals:

• Provide a coherent vision of warfare.

• Enhance operational effectiveness.

• Provide a common frame of reference and cultural perspective.

• Provide a common professional language.

• Discuss Army contributions to unified action.

• State and foster desirable traits in leaders and Soldiers.

Take A Deep Dive into The Weekly Quiz: https://forms.gle/DWDUkFrAnmUYSh636