Which manual outlines Marine Corps warfighting doctrine?

The manual that outlines Marine Corps warfighting doctrine is MCDP 1: Warfighting. This publication serves as the foundational document for the Marine Corps’ approach to combat operations, emphasizing the principles and concepts that underpin effective military strategy within the context of the unique challenges faced by Marines.

MCDP 1: Warfighting presents a comprehensive philosophy that promotes adaptability and agility in the face of conflict, recognizing the chaotic and dynamic nature of warfare. It provides guidelines on how Marines should think about and engage in combat, focusing on the interplay between speed, surprise, and the application of force. This doctrine forms the basis for further development of tactics and strategies employed by the Marine Corps, establishing key tenets such as mission command and the importance of understanding the operational environment.

In contrast, while MCDP 1: Leadership, MCDP 1: Tactics, and MCDP 1: Strategy are significant documents in their own right, they do not specifically encapsulate the overarching principles of warfighting doctrine that MCDP 1: Warfighting does. They serve different purposes within the broader scope of Marine Corps operations and organizational structure.