Methodology for developing U.S. Naval doctrine for the 21st century.

This study investigates a methodology to develop naval doctrine for the U.S. Navy. It does not write doctrine, but presents a process to produce a workable doctrine encompassing theory, missions, organization, history, and documents currently in print. The process plans to identify the minimal subjects that naval doctrine must address. It uses the U.S. Army's experience following the Vietnam War as a model for comparison. It contrasts the U.S. Navy's leadership's current initiative to redirect the Navy's primary focus (mission) following the Cold War with that of the U.S. Army's following the Vietnam War. This study provides insights concerning the requirements of implementing new doctrine within a military organization. The study explains why the Navy needs a formal written doctrine, looks at other services' approach to doctrine, and the impact of implementation. It addresses these topics to identify essential elements and corresponding actions, so that those in the other services can appreciate the Navy’s path to doctrine development.