Purpose Chap 1
AR 600-20 is the Army's "commander's guide" — the regulation prescribing the policies and
responsibilities of command: military discipline and conduct, the Army well-being concept, the Army Equal
Opportunity Program, and command relationships. It's one of the largest and most frequently referenced
regulations in the force.
Who It Applies To
- The Regular Army
- The Army National Guard / Army National Guard of the United States
- The U.S. Army Reserve
SHARP Moved to Its Own Regulation Moved — AR 600-52
The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Program used to live inside AR 600-20.
As of the 2025 reissue, SHARP policy — response, prevention, and reporting — is consolidated into its own
publication, AR 600-52. AR 600-20 is leaner as a result, but the topic hasn't gone away — it just has
its own lane now.
Conduct Between Different Grades Moved Moved — AR 600-32
Policy on relationships and conduct between Soldiers of different grades — what used to be
discussed under fraternization — has similarly been split out into its own publication, AR 600-32, with
an accompanying DA PAM.
Recent Terminology & Policy Changes
- References to "gender" were updated to "sex" throughout, aligning with recent federal executive-order terminology
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility policy and programs were removed from this regulation per executive order
Enforceability
Portions of this regulation are punitive. As with any command-policy document, violations by
Soldiers can carry real administrative or UCMJ consequences — this isn't purely aspirational guidance.
Command Relationships
Defines command and support relationships, including at multi-service and multi-command
installations. The senior commander at an installation is normally, but not always, the senior general officer
present.
Army Well-Being Concept
Establishes the Army's well-being concept, architecture, and process, and requires
commanders to integrate well-being-related programs across their formation rather than treating them as
separate, disconnected efforts.
Command Climate Assessments
Commanders — particularly at battalion and brigade level — are held to defined standards for
conducting command climate assessments after taking command and on a recurring basis. Failing to conduct a
required climate assessment is treated as a command inspection failure, not a minor oversight.
Total Army Sponsorship Program
Places command responsibility on leaders for executing the sponsorship program — the
structured process for welcoming and integrating Soldiers arriving at a new unit.
Self-Reporting of Criminal Convictions
Requires officers and senior enlisted members to self-report criminal convictions through
their chain of command — a standing obligation, not something that only comes up if discovered.
Command Responsibility Under the Law of War
Addresses a commander's responsibility under the law of war — a reminder that command
authority carries accountability that extends beyond garrison administrative matters.
Extremist Organizations & Activities Expanded
Prohibits active participation in extremist, terrorist, and criminal gang organizations and
activities. This policy was expanded to explicitly address social media conduct for the first time, and
commanders are now required to notify their servicing Staff Judge Advocate or Criminal Investigation Division
when they receive any report of extremist activity in their organization.
Military Discipline & Conduct
Sets the baseline expectations for Soldier conduct and the responsibility of leaders at
every level to maintain good order and discipline within their units.
Political Activities
Governs what political activities Soldiers may and may not engage in, particularly while
in uniform or in an official capacity — covered in detail in an appendix to the regulation.
Prohibited Conduct — Hazing & Similar Behavior
Command policy continues to prohibit hazing, bullying, and similar behavior that undermines
good order, discipline, and unit cohesion, separate from the conduct-between-grades policy now housed in AR 600-32.
Army Equal Opportunity (EO) Program
Establishes the Army Military Equal Opportunity Program and the responsibilities of
commanders, EO professionals, and Soldiers in maintaining a climate of dignity and respect and addressing
discrimination complaints through proper channels.
Redress & Complaint Channels
Soldiers have multiple avenues to seek redress of grievances — through the chain of
command, the Inspector General, and formal complaint processes such as Article 138 (UCMJ) complaints of
wrongs. This regulation's appendix on Inspector General activities describes how IG channels support the
commander and the force.
Accommodation of Religious Practices
Sets policy and procedures for Soldiers requesting religious accommodation (such as items
covered separately under AR 670-1 — beards, turbans, hijabs). Identifies which officials are responsible for
ensuring specific groups of personnel are aware of this policy.
Human Relations Readiness Training
Requires structured training and education on human relations topics as part of building
and sustaining a positive command climate.
Family Care Plans
Requires Soldiers in specific circumstances (such as single parents and dual-military
couples) to maintain an approved Family Care Plan, and places responsibility on commanders to verify compliance.
Personnel Recovery & Code of Conduct Training
Establishes training requirements related to personnel recovery and the Code of Conduct —
preparing Soldiers for isolation, captivity, or similar circumstances.
Combating Trafficking in Persons
Sets policy on preventing and responding to trafficking in persons, including command
responsibilities for training and reporting.
Support to Civilian Law Enforcement
Addresses the circumstances and limits under which Army personnel may participate in
support of civilian law-enforcement agencies.
Army Requirements Elimination Assessment Program New — Apr 2026
The most recent revision incorporates the Army Requirements Elimination Assessment Program
under a new chapter, and reflects the renaming of the former Training and Doctrine Command to the Army
Transformation and Training Command.
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