What is regarded as the primary regulatory document of the Navy?

The primary regulatory document of the Navy is U.S. Navy Regulations. This document serves as the foundational set of directives that govern the conduct and operations of Navy personnel. It outlines the standards of behavior, responsibilities, and protocols that all Navy members are expected to adhere to, ensuring uniformity and discipline across the service.

U.S. Navy Regulations encompass various aspects of naval life, including adherence to laws, naval traditions, and command structures. It provides detailed guidance on actions, authority, and responsibilities for personnel at all levels, thereby promoting an understanding of the Navy's core values and the importance of accountable behavior in both peacetime and wartime situations. This document is essential for ensuring that everyone within the Navy functions within a coherent framework of expectations and guidelines.

In contrast, the Naval Operations Manual, Navy Warfare Publications, and Fleet Readiness Manual serve more specialized purposes within naval operations and warfare strategies, but none carry the overarching regulatory authority and comprehensive scope of U.S. Navy Regulations.