FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (June 18, 2015) – A major revision of Army Doctrine Reference Publication, or ADRP 1, the Army Profession, includes a new chapter on the Army ethic.
“With the addition of Chapter 2 to ADRP 1, we now have a concisely articulated, easily accessible, and understandable expression of the Army ethic,” said Brig. Gen. Bill Burleson, director of the Mission Command Center of Excellence, or MC CoE.
The Center for Army Profession and Ethic, or CAPE, serves as the primary proponent for doctrine on the Army profession. The revision reflects nearly two years of widespread collaboration across the Army. “It’s hard to write doctrine on how you make judgments,” noted a participant at an Army profession symposium last year.
“The heart of the Army profession is the Army ethic, which guides Soldiers and Army civilians in making right decisions and taking right actions in the conduct of the mission, in the performance of duty, and in all aspects of life,” said Col. John Vermeesch, CAPE director.
ADRP 1 is published not only in PDF format on the Army Publishing Directorate, but also in ePub format, which can be read on any mobile device.
As the Army moves further into the 21st century, the Army is in a period of strategic transition, which presents tremendous opportunities for the profession. The Army should be the nation’s leading institution for leader, human capital, and ethical development. The Army must intensify its understanding of what it means for the Army to be a profession and ensure all Soldiers and leaders understand their respective responsibilities.
ADRP 1 describes the essential characteristics, which identify and establish the Army as a military profession:
• Trust
• Honorable service
• Military expertise
• Stewardship
• Esprit de corps
Consistently demonstrated, the characteristics of the Army profession reflect American values, the Army ethic, and the Army’s approach to accomplishing its mission in support and defense of the Constitution.
Trust is the bedrock of the Army’s relationship with the American people. Within the Army profession, mutual trust is the organizing principle necessary to build cohesive teams. The Army’s ability to fulfill its strategic role and discharge its responsibilities to the nation depends on:
• Trust between Soldiers.
• Trust between Soldiers and leaders.
• Trust between Soldiers and Army civilians.
• Trust among Soldiers, their Families, and the Army.
• Trust between the Army and the American people.
Soldiers pursue a noble calling and contribute honorable service as a partner within the armed forces and, along with other government services, dedicate themselves to defending the nation, the Constitution and the interests of the American people. Soldiers are competent professionals with the expertise to accomplish the mission the right way (ethically, effectively and efficiently).
Soldiers stand strong as stewards to maintain the Army profession by upholding the Army ethic – preventing misconduct and doing what is right to stop unethical practices. The commitment of the Army profession to fulfill this duty is demonstrated with indomitable esprit de corps – winning spirit – and the ability to be always ready and resilient.
The Army ethic is expressed in law, Army values, creeds, oaths, ethos, and shared beliefs embedded within Army culture.
It inspires and motivates the conduct of Army professionals – Soldiers and Army civilians, who are bound together in common, moral purpose.
“As Soldiers and Army professionals, we accomplish the mission as a team – Soldiers and Army civilians, who are bound together in common, moral purpose,” Burleson said. “They contribute their best effort, do what is right to the best of their ability, and always strive for excellence. Leaders set the right example, live by and uphold the Army ethic, establish a positive climate, and inspire the team.”