ADRP 1: The Army Profession

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While serving as the Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno said, “Our profession is built on the bedrock of trust.” ADRP 1 “The Army Profession”, defines and describes trust along with other characteristics that are fundamental to an effective Army. However, the most important characteristic explained in ADRP 1 is trust. The United States Army depends on trust at all levels. Leaders within the army bestow trust on their subordinates to meet the intent, and subordinates place trust in their leaders to make the right decisions. In addition to the latter the Army must also continually maintain the fragile hard-earned trust with the people of the United States. Trust between leaders, Soldiers and the American people is absolutely fundamental …show more content…
The Army operates outside of what would be considered “comfortable” for most other nations due to the scale of trust that given to commanders and subordinates alike. This trust is what allows professionals to operate within a higher echelon’s intent rather than be constrained by rigid orders and set parameters. It serves as a “vital organizing principle that establishes the conditions necessary for mission command.” It has been said that planning against America’s Army is impossible because “Americans do not read their manuals, nor do they feel any obligation to follow their doctrine.” The above quote was an observation made by the Soviets during the Cold War. While this quote may lead one to believe that the Army is disorganized and chaotic a quick glance at the Army’s combat success proves otherwise. This success was built on trust. Leaders and subordinates have been given the trust necessary to think creatively and to shoot and move opportunistically in order to meet their superior’s intent. Every one of the United State’s victories in land combat can be attributed to trust. This fact alone makes trust undeniably the most important characteristic of the Army