The Army Profession

Provided by U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

What is it?

The Army doctrine defines Army Profession as comprised of two mutually supportive communities of practice: the Profession of Arms and the Army Civilian Corps. The Army Profession defines the essence of what it means to be a Soldier or Army Civilian.

The Army Profession serves as the framework for the Army culture and its inherent relationship with the Army Ethic. It identifies the essential characteristics that define the Army as a profession: Trust, Honorable Service, Military Expertise, Stewardship, and Esprit de Corps.

Army professionals at all levels have the responsibility to ethically perform their duties to Army standards. As strategic leaders, Army professionals are ethical stewards of the Army Profession who establish strategic direction, priorities and missions.

Stewardship of the Army Profession is the duty of all Army leaders, both military and civilian, who care for the people, resources and the Army Family. Stewardship ensures the Army remains a trusted military profession, both today and tomorrow.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

Army Senior Leaders support good stewardship of the Army Profession by:

• Establishing the goals and procedures for military and civilian accessions.
• Enacting policies guiding the development and talent management of all Army personnel.
• Advocating for resources to sustain an Army that balances priorities according to the Army Profession, Ethic and Values.
• Maintaining a strong educational program for all of its professionals. Soldiers in initial training and Army Civilians in the Army Acculturation Program learn to embrace and live out the Army ethos.
• Reinforcing the Army Values throughout Professional Military Education and Civilian Education.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

Future efforts to continue enhancing the Stewardship of the Army Profession include:

• Senior leader emphasis in Army strategies, campaign plans and policies to promote a strong foundation.
• Instruction through Professional Military Education and professional development conducted within units to sustain the basic principles.
• Periodic assessments of Army professionals’ beliefs and actions to ensure adherence to the Army Values.
• Reinforcement of Army Values of trust, honorable service, military expertise and stewardship at high levels.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Army Profession is one of the most trusted institutions in the country. The Army Profession carries on by attracting American citizens to volunteer to serve as Soldiers and Army Civilians. Through their decisions and actions, Army Senior Leaders, Soldiers, and Army Civilians strengthen the Army Profession and reinforce mutual trust and unit cohesion.

Resources:

• U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
• Center for the Army Profession and Leadership
• Mission Command Center of Excellence
• Army Management Staff College
• Army Values

Related STAND-TO!:

• Stewardship of the Army Profession
• Army Ethic
• Army Value

Related document:

• ADRP1, The Army Profession