Essential Army Publications Every U.S. Soldier Should Know

Essential Army Publications Every U.S. Soldier Should Know

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Understanding and adhering to U.S. Army publications is crucial for every soldier, as these documents outline the standards, procedures, and guidelines that govern military life and operations. Here’s a list of some of the most important Army publications every U.S. soldier should be familiar with, along with descriptions of their significance:

Army Regulations (ARs)

Army Regulations (ARs) are official directives issued by the Department of the Army that provide policies and procedures for managing various aspects of Army life and operations. These regulations cover a wide range of topics, from personnel management and equipment maintenance to legal issues and administrative processes. Some key ARs include:

  • AR 670-1: Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. This regulation specifies the standards for wearing the Army uniform and the appearance of soldiers. It covers everything from how to properly wear insignia to grooming standards.
  • AR 600-20: Army Command Policy. This regulation outlines the roles and responsibilities of Army commanders and leaders, emphasizing the importance of discipline, respect, and good order within the ranks.
  • Army Regulation 350-1: Army Training and Leader Development is a crucial publication that outlines the policies, procedures, and responsibilities for training and leader development in the Army. This regulation ensures that soldiers and leaders at all levels are properly trained and equipped to carry out their duties. It emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the development of leadership skills throughout a soldier’s career.
  • Army Regulation 190-11: Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives provides guidelines for the security and accountability of arms, ammunition, and explosives within the Army. This regulation is critical for maintaining the safety and security of military installations and preventing the unauthorized use of military weapons and materials.
  • Army Regulation 27-10: Military Justice outlines the procedures and policies related to the administration of military justice in the Army. It covers topics such as the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), courts-martial, non-judicial punishment (Article 15), and other disciplinary actions. Understanding AR 27-10 is essential for leaders and soldiers to ensure that justice is administered fairly and in accordance with Army standards.
  • Army Regulation 600-8-22: Military Awards governs the Army’s awards and decorations program. It provides detailed information on the criteria for receiving awards, the procedures for recommending and approving awards, and the proper wear of military decorations. This regulation is important for recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of soldiers.
  • Army Regulation 635-200: Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations  outlines the policies and procedures for the administrative separation of enlisted soldiers from active duty. This regulation covers various types of separations, including voluntary separations, involuntary separations, and separations for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance. It is crucial for leaders to understand AR 635-200 to ensure that separations are handled in accordance with Army policy.
  • Army Regulation 601-280: Army Retention Program governs the Army’s retention program, which is designed to retain highly qualified soldiers in the Army. This regulation provides guidance on reenlistment, extensions, and other retention-related actions. Understanding AR 601-280 is important for soldiers who are considering continuing their careers in the Army and for leaders responsible for managing retention efforts.
Field Manuals (FMs)

Field Manuals (FMs)

Field Manuals (FMs) are comprehensive guides that provide doctrinal instructions on military operations, tactics, techniques, and procedures. They serve as a vital resource for training and preparing soldiers for combat and other missions. Notable FMs include:

  • FM 7-22: Army Physical Readiness Training. This manual outlines the physical training program for soldiers, providing guidance on how to develop and maintain physical fitness to meet the demands of military service.
  • FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad. This manual provides detailed instructions on how infantry platoons and squads should operate in various combat situations, including offense, defense, and urban operations.

Army Technical Manuals (TMs)

Army Technical Manuals (TMs) are detailed documents that provide technical information on the maintenance, repair, and operation of Army equipment and systems. These manuals are critical for soldiers working in technical roles, ensuring that they can effectively maintain and operate military hardware. Important TMs include:

  • TM 9-1005-319-10: Operator’s Manual for M4 and M4A1 Carbines. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the M4 and M4A1 carbines, essential weapons in the Army’s arsenal.
  • TM 11-5820-890-10-8: Operator’s Manual for Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) Radio Set. This manual offers detailed guidance on the operation and maintenance of the SINCGARS radio system, a critical communication tool in the field.

Army Training Manuals

(ATMs) provide standardized training procedures and practices for soldiers and units. These manuals are used to ensure that all soldiers receive consistent, high-quality training that prepares them for the demands of military service. Notable ATMs include:

ATM 21-201: Physical Fitness Training. This manual outlines the Army’s physical fitness training program, offering guidelines and exercises designed to develop the strength, endurance, and agility needed for combat readiness.

ATM 3-22.68: Crew-Served Machine Guns, 5.56-mm and 7.62-mm. This manual provides training procedures for the operation and maintenance of crew-served machine guns, ensuring that soldiers are proficient in using these powerful weapons.

Army Doctrine Publications (ADPs)

Army Doctrine Publications (ADPs) establish the fundamental principles by which Army forces guide their actions in support of national objectives. ADPs serve as the foundation for more detailed doctrinal publications, such as Field Manuals. Key ADPs include:

  • ADP 1: The Army. This publication provides an overview of the Army’s mission, structure, and role within the broader framework of national defense. It also addresses the Army’s values and the ethical standards expected of soldiers.
  • ADP 6-22: Army Leadership. This document outlines the Army’s leadership principles, focusing on the qualities and responsibilities required to lead soldiers effectively in various environments.
  • ADRP 3-0: Operations. This publication provides an in-depth look at the Army’s approach to conducting operations across the full spectrum of conflict, including offensive, defensive, and stability operations.
  • ADRP 6-0: Mission Command. This document elaborates on the principles of mission command, emphasizing the importance of decentralized command and the empowerment of subordinate leaders to make decisions.
Army Techniques Publications (ATPs)

Army Techniques Publications (ATPs)

Army Techniques Publications (ATPs) offer detailed guidance on how to perform specific tasks and missions. They provide practical, tactical-level instructions that complement the broader guidance found in Field Manuals and other doctrinal publications. Important ATPs include:

  • ATP 3-21.8: Infantry Platoon and Squad. This publication expands on the tactics and techniques for infantry platoons and squads, providing practical advice for small-unit leaders in the field.
  • ATP 4-25.12: Unit Field Sanitation Teams. This manual provides instructions on maintaining health and sanitation in the field, a critical aspect of maintaining combat effectiveness during deployments.

Army Pamphlets (DA PAMs)

Army Pamphlets (DA PAMs) are instructional publications that provide detailed information on a wide range of subjects. These pamphlets often serve as supplements to Army Regulations, offering additional guidance and examples. Key DA PAMs include:

  • DA PAM 600-25: U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Guide. This pamphlet outlines the career progression for noncommissioned officers (NCOs), providing guidance on the education, training, and experience required for advancement.
  • DA PAM 670-1: Guide to the Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia. This pamphlet supplements AR 670-1 by providing detailed illustrations and instructions on how to properly wear the Army uniform.

Army Handbooks

Army Handbooks are practical guides that provide soldiers with quick-reference information on a variety of topics. These handbooks are often used in the field and offer concise, actionable advice. Key Army Handbooks include:

  • The Soldier’s Blue Book (TRADOC Pam 600-4): A Guide for Initial Entry Training Soldiers. This handbook is essential for new recruits, providing an overview of what to expect during basic training and the early stages of their Army career.
  • The Ranger Handbook (TC 3-21.76): A Guide for Rangers in Training and in Combat. This handbook is a vital resource for soldiers in the Ranger Regiment, offering detailed instructions on Ranger tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Training Circulars (TCs)

Training Circulars (TCs)

Training Circulars (TCs) are instructional publications that provide guidance on specific training tasks, techniques, and procedures. They are used extensively in the training and education of soldiers. Noteworthy TCs include:

  • TC 3-22.9: Rifle and Carbine. This circular provides detailed instructions on the use and maintenance of the M4 carbine and M16 rifle, including marksmanship fundamentals and qualification standards.
  • TC 7-22.7: Noncommissioned Officer Guide. This guide offers valuable information for NCOs, covering leadership, training, and mentoring responsibilities, as well as the history and traditions of the NCO Corps.

Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (ATTPs)

Army Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (ATTPs) are publications that provide detailed instructions on how to accomplish specific tasks and missions. They serve as a bridge between the conceptual framework of doctrine and the practical application of tactics. Essential ATTPs include:

  • ATTP 3-21.50: Small Unit Training. This publication offers guidance on training small units, focusing on developing the skills necessary for success in various operational environments.
  • ATTP 3-34.22: Engineer Operations. This manual provides instructions for engineers in the field, covering topics such as mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations.

Soldier’s Manuals and Training Guides (SMTGs)

Soldier’s Manuals and Training Guides (SMTGs) are essential resources for individual soldiers, providing detailed information on the tasks and skills required for their specific Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). These manuals are used to assess and certify soldier proficiency. Important SMTGs include:

  • SMTG 21-1: Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks: Warrior Skills Level 1. This manual outlines the basic warrior tasks and battle drills that all soldiers, regardless of MOS, must master to be effective in combat.
  • SMTG 63A-63B: Unit Supply Specialist. This guide provides instructions for supply specialists, covering tasks such as inventory management, equipment accountability, and logistics support.

Army Command Publications (ACPs)

Army Command Publications (ACPs) are documents issued by individual Army commands to provide guidance and instructions specific to their area of responsibility. These publications address the unique needs of different commands and ensure that soldiers are equipped to meet the demands of their specific missions. Notable ACPs include:

  • ACP 710-2: Supply Management Operations. This publication provides guidance on managing supply operations within the Army, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and accountability in logistics.
  • ACP 385-10: Safety Program. This manual outlines the safety protocols and procedures that must be followed to prevent accidents and injuries in Army operations, ensuring that soldiers can perform their duties safely.
Joint Publications (JPs)

Joint Publications (JPs)

Joint Publications (JPs) are doctrine developed by the joint community (involving two or more military branches) and provide guidance on operations that require inter-service cooperation. These publications ensure that different branches of the military can work together effectively during joint operations. Key JPs include:

  • JP 3-0: Joint Operations. This publication outlines the principles and concepts of joint operations, providing a framework for planning and executing missions involving multiple military branches.
  • JP 1-02: Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. This dictionary provides standardized terminology for use across all branches of the U.S. military, ensuring clear communication during joint operations.