Although The Salvation Army is an international organization with leadership vested in the General, the very nature of its work calls for considerable national, territorial, and local autonomy. While the chain of command extends from the General, through the chief of the staff, into overseas departments, actual administration is vested in the territories within the United States and their individual community units.

The United States is divided into four territories, with headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois; West Nyack, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; and Long Beach, California, Each territory has its own commander, holding the rank of commissioner. The National Commander and national chief secretary serve in coordinating capacities at The Salvation Army National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

Each territory operates under the broad general policies established by International Headquarters. National policies are established by the Commissioners' Conference, composed of the four territorial commanders and presided over by the National Commander. This structure permits local leadership to respond to conditions and needs in each community, while maintaining unity on overall policies.

The basic service unit of The Salvation Army is the corps community center. Some cities may have several centers. They provide a variety of local programs, ranging from religious services and evangelistic campaigns to family counseling, day-care centers, youth activities, and general programs. The religious and social services implement the Army's purpose of preaching the gospel to effect spiritual, moral, and physical reclamation. The corps community centers within defined geographical boundaries comprise a division, with more than 40 divisions in the United States responsible to their respective territorial headquarters. Specialized social work is conducted through adult rehabilitation centers within these divisional commands.

Advisory organizations provide valuable assistance and advice. Local community leaders volunteer their efforts to help the Army in maintaining good business and professional relations. Local advisory boards review annual budgets, help coordinate programs with other agencies, and provide advise for local activities and fundraising campaigns. Other advisory organizations serve specific Salvation Army programs in similar ways. A National Advisory Board, for instance, provides guidance for programs and services throughout the United States.

Volunteers from all walks of life strongly support The Salvation Army in almost all of its activities. Their time and commitment are essential to the success of the organization. The millions of volunteers who function as part of the Army's ministry each year enhance the effectiveness of Army programs and services.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Doctrines of the Salvation Army

1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that only they constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and equal in power and glory.
4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocence, but by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness, and that in consequence of their fall, all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will believe may be saved.
7. We believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believes has the witness in himself.
9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
10. We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
11. We believe in the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, in the general judgement at the end of the world, in the eternal happiness of the righteous, and in the endless punishment of the wicked.