FM 1 — The Army: A Primer To Our Profession Of Arms
FM 1 governs the Army profession of arms by explaining its purpose and what it means to be an American Soldier.
- Publication number: FM 1
- Title: THE ARMY: A PRIMER TO OUR PROFESSION OF ARMS
- Date: 05/01/2025
- Proponent: T2COM
- Status: ACTIVE
View FM 1 on armypubs.army.mil
FM 1 covers warriors, professionals, leaders, the Army’s missions and structure, its Soldiers, and its obligations to the nation. It presents these subjects through stories and non-prescriptive terms and requires judgment in application.
Applies to: FM 1 is relevant to every Soldier, for we share common responsibilities and a common commitment to each other.
Topics covered
- Warrior competencies
- Warrior culture
- Army leadership
- Warfighting mission
- Army structure
- Army branches and military occupational specialties
- Military responsiveness
- American values
Questions and answers
How does FM 1 define Army leadership?
We define leadership in the Army as influencing people by giving them purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish a mission and improve the organization.
What is required of Army leaders?
First, leaders must possess an indefatigable force of will.
What must Soldiers do when the assigned task is legal?
If the task is legal, you are duty-bound to accomplish it efficiently and effectively.
What orders is the Army obligated to follow?
But our Army is obligated to follow the legal orders of the civilian leaders in charge. (paragraph 870-21)
What are the Army's primary missions?
Our Armys missions are timeless and monumentalto deter war, win wars, and undertake any other task given to us by our leaders to secure peace and prosperity.