Joining any organization is going to come with a bit of a learning curve. There are cultures, procedures, and nuances that come over time but still require newcomers to be aware of. The U.S. Army is no exception. Thankfully, incoming Soldiers have the Army Blue Book to help guide them out of civilian life and into military service. Your military career is going to have highs and lows and a variety of experiences that range from Soldier to Soldier. The U.S. Army Blue Book is here to help you become acclimated to your new lifestyle.

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Who Wrote the Army Blue Book?

Inspector General Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben wrote the Army Blue Book during the American Revolution, but the book’s official name is the Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States. This drill manual would stand from 1779 until 1812. During this time period, it would serve as the official guide to the American Armed Forces. Troops were instructed under its guidelines, which began with those serving at Valley Forge. Steuben began training 100 men who would then train other companies to follow the same processes put forth before them. Yet, here we are. It’s the 21st century, and while it’s not official, the Blue Book Army members learn about continues to serve as a guiding light for the branch’s culture, values, training, formation, history, and much more.

Your Guide To Becoming a Soldier

Receiving your Army Blue Book is a rite of passage in many ways, as are other components of basic training and joining the military in general. The best thing Soldiers can do is understand how this book will help them become the best Soldiers they can be. Speaking with those that have come before you to gain a deeper, personal piece of insight on the themes of the book and culture of the Army is going to go a long way in helping you maximize yourself and your military career.

The Values of the Army Blue Book Stand the Test of Time

The "Blue Book" still guides NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) because while warfare, tactics, and procedures have changed, the core ideals and values have not. It continues to work because the principles held near and dear to Soldiers remain the same. Having the Army Basic Training Blue Book as a continued influential piece of literature isn’t the sole reason for the branch’s continued success but rather a reflection of it. It’s not solely that a training guide written as our country was being formed is the glue keeping our fighting force elite, but rather our guiding principles leading the way to ensure we continue going about things in the right way. The Army Blue Book stands the test of time because the organization itself is committed to doing things the right way, no matter what the cost is. Because of this, and the efforts of others, we remain safe and free as a nation.

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The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. Photo by 2nd Lt. Leland White 201st Regional Support Group