United States (US) naval doctrine is the foundation upon which our tactics, techniques, and procedures are built. It articulates operational concepts that govern the employment of naval forces at all levels. A product of more than 200 years of US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard experience, it incorporates the lessons of history. Naval Doctrine Publication (NDP) 1 describes how the Naval Service - the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard team - operates as an integrated force in joint and multinational operations across the range of military operations. It links the fundamental principles that guide the employment of naval forces to our national, military, and maritime strategies. It also serves as a primer for joint and combined force commanders and senior leaders in the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, the Navy, and other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations to better understand US naval forces and our capabilities. The intent of NDP 1 is to describe the character and employment of US naval forces and highlight the distinctiveness of military operations in the maritime domain. It explains how naval forces attain both enduring and evolving national objectives, emphasizing our important role in joint, multinational, and other operations. It presents broad guidance for Active and Reserve Naval Service members and civilians. In broad terms, it defines who we are, what we do, and how we fight. This publication should be read, studied, and understood by every Sailor, Marine, and Coastguardsman.