This document outlines the Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (SORN). It provides comprehensive guidance across ten chapters, covering administration, organization, and duties.
The manual, dating back to regulations from 1913, establishes essential protocols for watches, bills, safety programs, and crucial training standards within the naval structure.
Purpose and Scope of the Manual
The primary purpose of the Navy Standard Organization and Regulations Manual is to establish a unified framework for operational efficiency and administrative consistency throughout the United States Navy. This manual serves as a foundational guide, detailing duties, watches, and essential safety programs;
Its scope encompasses a broad range of naval activities, from personnel management and financial accounting to rules of engagement and cybersecurity protocols. The manual draws upon historical precedents, including regulations dating back to 1913, while adapting to modern warfare procedures and strategic guidelines. It ensures alignment with Department of Defense policy, particularly concerning the order of precedence for admirals, as outlined in 10 U.S.C. 743.
Historical Context of Navy Regulations
The evolution of Navy Regulations reflects a continuous adaptation to changing maritime challenges and technological advancements. Regulations for the government of the Navy date back to at least 1913, as evidenced by existing documentation, and have undergone numerous revisions since.
Early regulations focused on establishing order and discipline aboard vessels, covering areas like small arms firing and signaling procedures – utilizing codes like the U.S. Naval Code of Signals. More recently, the Russian Federation’s Naval Doctrine, updated in 2015 and superseded by Executive Order, demonstrates a shift in strategic priorities. These historical precedents inform the current manual, ensuring a balance between tradition and modern operational needs, while maintaining consistency with broader Department of Defense policies.

Command Structure and Hierarchy
The Navy’s structure extends from enlisted personnel to flag officers, establishing a clear chain of command vital for effective operations and administrative control.
Chain of Command: From Enlisted to Flag Officers
The naval chain of command is a meticulously defined structure, beginning with enlisted personnel and ascending through commissioned officers to the highest ranks of flag officers – Admirals. This hierarchy ensures clear lines of authority and accountability, crucial for operational effectiveness and administrative control.
Regulations govern the progression through these ranks, outlining qualifications and responsibilities at each level. Understanding this structure, as detailed in the SORN manual, is fundamental for all personnel. It dictates how orders are issued and received, and how information flows throughout the naval organization, ultimately supporting mission accomplishment and maintaining discipline.
Roles and Responsibilities of Key Command Positions
Key command positions within the Navy carry distinct roles and responsibilities, meticulously outlined in the Standard Organization and Regulations Manual (SORN). Commanding Officers hold ultimate authority, responsible for all aspects of their command’s operations and personnel. Executive Officers serve as second-in-command, overseeing daily operations and ensuring mission readiness.
Department Heads manage specific areas like engineering or supply, while the Master Chief Petty Officer provides guidance to enlisted personnel. These roles, governed by established regulations, demand leadership, accountability, and a deep understanding of naval doctrine. Effective execution of these duties is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and upholding naval standards.

Administrative Regulations
Administrative regulations within the Navy encompass personnel management, assignments, and financial procedures, as detailed in the SORN manual, ensuring efficient operations and accountability.
Personnel Management and Assignments
Personnel management and assignments are critical components of naval administration, governed by detailed regulations within the SORN manual. These regulations dictate procedures for recruitment, training, evaluation, and promotion of all naval personnel.
Assignments are strategically managed to ensure optimal staffing levels across various commands and operational units. The manual outlines the processes for detailing personnel to billets, considering individual qualifications, experience, and the needs of the Navy.
Furthermore, it addresses policies related to leave, liberty, and administrative separations, ensuring fair and consistent treatment of all service members. Consistent application of these rules is paramount.
Financial Management and Accounting Procedures
Financial management and accounting procedures within the Navy are meticulously detailed in the SORN manual, ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds. These regulations cover all aspects of naval finance, from budgeting and appropriations to disbursement and accounting.
The manual outlines specific procedures for procuring goods and services, managing contracts, and maintaining accurate financial records. Strict adherence to these procedures is essential to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
Furthermore, it details the responsibilities of various financial personnel and establishes internal controls to safeguard naval assets. Regular audits and reviews are conducted to verify compliance.

Operational Regulations
Operational regulations define rules of engagement, use of force, and naval warfare procedures. These guidelines, crucial for effective operations, ensure adherence to legal and strategic objectives.
Rules of Engagement and Use of Force
Establishing clear rules of engagement (ROE) and guidelines for the use of force is paramount within naval operations. These regulations, meticulously detailed within the Navy Standard Organization and Regulations Manual, dictate when, where, and how naval forces may employ force to achieve mission objectives.
ROE are designed to minimize collateral damage, prevent escalation, and ensure compliance with international law and national policy. They encompass a spectrum of scenarios, from self-defense to protecting national interests, providing a framework for decision-making in complex and dynamic environments. Strict adherence to these protocols is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness and upholding ethical standards.
Naval Warfare Procedures and Tactics
The Navy Standard Organization and Regulations Manual details established procedures and tactics for conducting naval warfare. These encompass a broad range of operations, including surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and amphibious assaults, ensuring coordinated and effective responses to diverse threats;
The manual outlines standardized communication protocols, maneuvering techniques, and weapon employment strategies. It emphasizes the importance of integrated operations, leveraging the capabilities of various naval assets – ships, aircraft, and submarines – to achieve decisive advantages. Continuous refinement of these procedures, informed by real-world experience and evolving technologies, is crucial for maintaining naval superiority.

Safety and Security Regulations
The manual prioritizes safety and security, detailing damage control, emergency procedures, and robust cybersecurity protocols. These regulations safeguard personnel, assets, and vital information.
Damage Control and Emergency Procedures
Effective damage control is paramount for naval vessel survivability. The manual meticulously outlines procedures for responding to various emergencies, including flooding, fires, and battle damage.
These protocols emphasize rapid assessment, containment, and repair efforts to minimize operational impact.
Detailed instructions cover watertight integrity, firefighting techniques, and casualty control.
Personnel training focuses on practical application, ensuring swift and coordinated responses during critical situations.
Regular drills and exercises reinforce these skills, preparing crews for real-world challenges and maximizing the safety of the ship and its crew.
Cybersecurity and Information Security Protocols
Protecting naval information systems is crucial in the modern threat landscape. The manual establishes stringent cybersecurity protocols to safeguard sensitive data and operational capabilities.
These protocols encompass access controls, network security measures, and incident response procedures.
Personnel are required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding data handling, communication security, and awareness of potential cyber threats.
Regular security assessments and vulnerability scans are conducted to identify and mitigate risks.
Continuous training ensures personnel remain vigilant and capable of defending against evolving cyberattacks, preserving naval operational readiness.
Training and Qualification Standards
The manual details rigorous training for recruits and advanced professional development. Initial entry training and specialized courses ensure personnel meet required qualifications and maintain readiness.
Initial Entry Training for New Recruits
Initial entry training, as outlined within the Navy’s regulations, focuses on transforming civilians into effective sailors. This foundational period encompasses rigorous physical conditioning, academic instruction, and practical skill development. Recruits undergo comprehensive training in seamanship, damage control, and firearms – specifically, small arms firing, referencing the Small Arms Firing Manual.
The objective is to instill core naval values, discipline, and teamwork. Practical messaging and communication skills, including the U;S. Naval Code of Signals, are also emphasized, ensuring recruits can effectively send and receive vital messages. This initial phase prepares them for specialized training and assignment within the fleet.
Advanced Training and Professional Development
Following initial entry, the Navy Standard Organization and Regulations Manual emphasizes continuous professional development. Sailors pursue specialized training aligned with their chosen career paths, building upon the foundational skills acquired during recruit training. This includes advanced coursework, practical exercises, and opportunities for leadership development.
The manual supports ongoing education, ensuring personnel remain proficient in evolving naval warfare procedures and tactics. Cybersecurity and information security protocols are integral components, reflecting the modern naval landscape. Consistent with Department of Defense policy, advanced training prepares sailors for increased responsibilities and advancement within the naval hierarchy.

Naval Doctrine and Strategic Guidelines
The Naval Doctrine of the Russian Federation, previously defined by Executive Order Pr-1210, is now superseded, with new guidelines setting clear boundaries for national interests.
Current Naval Doctrine of the Russian Federation
The recently updated Naval Doctrine of the Russian Federation, as emphasized by President Putin during the Main Naval Parade, fundamentally redefines Russia’s maritime strategic outlook. This doctrine explicitly delineates the geographical boundaries and key areas constituting Russia’s national interests – encompassing economic, vital, and strategic considerations.
The previous iteration, established under Executive Order No. Pr-1210 in 2015, is no longer in force. The new doctrine aims for transparently defined parameters, reflecting a shift in geopolitical priorities and a renewed focus on safeguarding Russia’s sovereign rights within its designated maritime zones. It serves as a cornerstone for naval planning and operations.
Alignment with National Interests and Security Objectives
The Naval Doctrine of the Russian Federation is intrinsically linked to the overarching national interests and security objectives of the Russian state. It directly supports the protection of Russia’s economic zones, critical infrastructure, and strategic maritime routes, ensuring unimpeded access for trade and resource management.
This alignment is achieved through a comprehensive assessment of potential threats and vulnerabilities, coupled with the development of robust naval capabilities designed to deter aggression and safeguard national sovereignty. The doctrine prioritizes maintaining a credible naval presence in key regions, bolstering Russia’s geopolitical influence and ensuring its security posture.

Communication and Signaling Procedures
Practical messaging and communication skills are vital, demonstrated through proficiency in the U.S. Naval Code of Signals (NMC 145), ensuring effective message sending and reception.
U.S. Naval Code of Signals
The U.S. Naval Code of Signals represents a standardized system for communicating between naval vessels and shore facilities, crucial for operational effectiveness and safety. This code, designated as NMC 145, facilitates clear and concise messaging, overcoming language barriers and ensuring accurate information transfer during complex maneuvers.
Practical application requires candidates to demonstrate a tangible ability to both transmit and receive messages utilizing the code, proving competency in its intricacies. Proficiency isn’t merely about knowing the signals; it’s about rapid and accurate execution, vital in dynamic maritime environments. The code’s consistent use minimizes misunderstandings and enhances coordination.
Practical Messaging and Communication Skills
Effective communication is paramount within the Navy, extending beyond codified signals to encompass broader messaging skills. Proficiency demands not only understanding the U.S. Naval Code of Signals (NMC 145) but also mastering clear, concise, and unambiguous language in all forms of naval correspondence.
Training emphasizes the ability to transmit and receive information accurately, adapting communication styles to diverse situations. This includes verbal briefings, written reports, and digital messaging, all adhering to strict protocols. Successful naval operations depend on seamless information flow, requiring personnel to be adept communicators, minimizing errors and maximizing understanding.

Small Arms and Weapons Regulations
Regulations govern Navy firearms, referencing the Small Arms Firing Manual and outlining training protocols. These rules, detailed in Regulations for the Government of the Navy, ensure safe handling.
Regulations for Government of the Navy Regarding Firearms
Detailed within the “Regulations for the Government of the Navy of the United States, 1913,” specific guidelines dictate the proper handling, maintenance, and utilization of all small arms within the naval service.
These regulations encompass oral training on small arms firing, omitting specialized courses, target ranges, competitions, and the mounted pistol course. The Marine Corps Score Book and Landing Force protocols, specifically Chapters IV and V, paragraphs 75-89, are integral components.
Emphasis is placed on ensuring all personnel demonstrate a proficient ability to send and receive messages utilizing the United States Naval Code of Signals (NMC 145) alongside firearms proficiency.
Small Arms Firing Manual and Training
The 1913 “Regulations for the Government of the Navy” details a comprehensive small arms firing manual, forming the core of naval firearms training. This manual, however, specifically omits specialized courses, detailed target information, competitive shooting protocols, and instruction on the mounted pistol course.
Oral instruction is prioritized, focusing on fundamental skills. Training emphasizes practical application, ensuring recruits can effectively utilize firearms. The Marine Corps Score Book and Landing Force procedures (Chapters IV & V, paragraphs 75-89) supplement the core manual, providing additional guidance.
Proficiency is assessed through practical exercises and signaling drills.
Articles of Precedence for Naval Officers
U.S. Navy Regulations revise articles concerning the order of precedence for Admirals (O-10), aligning them with Department of Defense policy and 10 U.S.C. 743.
Order of Precedence for Admirals (O-10)
Naval Regulations necessitate a specific order of precedence amongst Admirals (O-10), ensuring clarity and consistency within the chain of command. Recent revisions, as outlined in U.S. Navy Regulations, aim to harmonize this order with broader Department of Defense (DoD) policy, specifically referencing 10 U.S.C. 743.
This alignment is crucial for inter-service coordination and maintaining a unified military structure. The modifications ensure that the Navy’s protocol doesn’t deviate from established DoD standards, fostering seamless collaboration during joint operations and strategic planning. The changes are implemented by modifying existing articles to reflect this updated precedence.
Consistency with Department of Defense Policy
Maintaining alignment with Department of Defense (DoD) policy is paramount within the Navy’s Standard Organization and Regulations Manual. Revisions, such as those concerning the order of precedence for Admirals (O-10), directly address this requirement, referencing 10 U.S.C. 743.
This adherence isn’t merely procedural; it’s fundamental to interoperability and unified action across all military branches. Consistent regulations streamline operations, reduce ambiguity, and enhance effectiveness during joint exercises and real-world deployments. The Navy’s commitment to DoD policy ensures a cohesive national defense posture, maximizing resource utilization and strategic impact.