Released 20 May 09
From: Allen, Thad Admiral
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2009 1:00 PM
Subject: ALL HANDS - Publication 1
To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard,
I am pleased to announce the first revision to our capstone doctrine, Coast
Guard Publication 1 (Pub 1). Secretary Napolitano officially announced the
revision at today's Coast Guard Academy graduation ceremony. She stressed
its importance for our Service and its applicability for the entire
Department of Homeland Security.
I expect all Coast Guard members to read Pub 1 and discuss it with your
shipmates. Hard copies will be widely distributed and it is also posted on
our website available at www.uscg
.mil/comdt.
As a capstone doctrine, Pub 1 explains our principles of operation: clear
objective, presence, unity of effort, on-scene initiative, flexibility,
managed risk, and restraint. These traits can be traced back to Alexander
Hamilton's Letter of Instruction to the Commanding Officers of the first 10
revenue marine cutters and are even more relevant today. This guidance will
help every member of the Coast Guard - active duty, reserve, civilian and
auxiliarist - understand who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
Pub 1 maps our organizational DNA and reveals the evolution of our Guardian
Ethos. Looking forward, Pub 1 provides a solid foundation so
we can adapt
our operational activities to meet the maritime challenges of the 21st
century. Use it as a fundamental building block to educate our newest Coast
Guard members and to guide your professional judgment as you address
emerging mission demands in your area of responsibility.
Thank you for your dedicated efforts to the Coast Guard and the Nation.
Admiral Thad Allen
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
