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What is the purpose, strengths and weaknesses of military joint doctrine? In this empirical study we investigate the views of 17 Joint Doctrine developers in UK and US. Based on Harald Höiback’s review of more than 100 years of doctrinal debate, we developed a questionnaire with three sub-scales, doctrinal skepticism, doctrinal foundationalism and doctrinal coherentism. The result indicates that the doctrine developers most of all view doctrine as a tool for effective coordination of military forces. A clearly written doctrine is seen as a good tool for training of officers and units, and it will help to reduce the effect of uncertainty and friction in military operations.