1-1. The primary responsibility of our Army is to conduct prompt and sustained land combat as part of the joint force. The Army must deliver ready, trained, and equipped forces to meet the demands placed upon it. Our Nation expects the Army to be lethal, agile, and adaptive. In 1899, Secretary of War Elihu Root wrote, “[T]he real object of having an army is to prepare for war.” When not engaged in direct conflict, the Army focuses its efforts on conducting operations to prepare for and deter war. Our Army achieves readiness through sound doctrine, capable organizations, realistic training and education, modernized equipment, inspired leadership, and disciplined Soldiers. Readiness is what makes our Army credible.