Who is responsible for approving Naval Doctrine Publications?

The approval of Naval Doctrine Publications falls under the purview of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (USMC). This responsibility reflects the collaborative nature of naval operations, which require a unified approach from both the Navy and the Marine Corps in developing and maintaining doctrine that guides their strategic and operational decisions.

These leaders ensure that the doctrine aligns with current military strategies, practices, and the overall goals of the Naval Service. By having the CNO and Commandant oversee this process, it emphasizes the importance of joint operations and the integration of diverse capabilities within maritime warfare.

In contrast, other entities such as the Secretary of Defense, Army Chief of Staff, and Joint Chiefs of Staff have different focus areas or responsibilities that do not directly include the specific approval of naval doctrine publications. The Secretary of Defense handles broader defense policies and directives, the Army Chief of Staff focuses primarily on Army operations, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff coordinate military advice and strategy across branches but do not specifically approve naval doctrine.