What is the main purpose of Navy Regulations?

The primary purpose of Navy Regulations is to ensure compliance with legal and operational standards. These regulations establish a framework that governs the behavior and responsibilities of Navy personnel, thereby maintaining order, discipline, and accountability within the service. They encompass a wide range of guidelines that address everything from conduct and ethics to safety and operational procedures, ensuring that all members of the Navy operate within the constraints of the law and established military practices. This framework is crucial for effective mission execution and the overall integrity of the Navy as an institution.

While the other choices touch upon important aspects of Navy life—such as treatment of personnel, command structure, and disciplinary procedures—they ultimately fall under the broader umbrella of ensuring that the Navy's operations and personnel actions align with legal and operational standards. Therefore, while these aspects are necessary for a well-functioning organization, the core purpose of Navy Regulations is fundamentally about compliance, which supports all other naval operations and behaviors.