This standard specifies an Extensible Markup Language (XML) vocabulary and schema (XSD) for the elements that are common and considered to be part of the essential core of the strategic plans of all organizations worldwide. This is the first of a series of parts that will comprise the Strategy Markup Language (StratML) standard. Subsequent parts will address the elements of performance plans and reports as well as extensions to the core that may be useful but are not considered to be essential for the basic purposes of the standard.