MCDP 1: Warfighting
A visual summary of the little white book that formalized the maneuver warfare philosophy of the United States Marine Corps
On March 8, 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Fleet Marine Force Manual 1 - Warfighting.
“This ‘little white book’ was, and is, one of the most important statements our Service has ever made about how we understand the essential foundations of our profession: what war is, how we prepare for it, and how we fight when it comes.”
General David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Current U.S. Marine Corps doctrine is based on the tenets of maneuver warfare as described in the earliest publication in 1989.
It has caused energetic debate and been translated into several foreign languages, issued by foreign militaries, and published commercially.1
Better known today as “Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication (MCDP) 1,” Warfighting is broken into the four chapters summarized below.
Chapter 1: The Nature of War
Chapter 2: The Theory of War
Chapter 3: Preparing for War
Chapter 4: The Conduct of War
“Warfighting is not meant as a reference manual; it is designed to be read from cover to cover.”
General Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
To read the full publication, visit: MCDP 1 Warfighting.pdf (marines.mil)
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Great visual summary. I really like this platform. I can see the great potential it has in sharing such visual summaries, ideas, and discussion.
Great post Kayla! Welcome to substack!