Chain of Command - An Essay Example

A chain of command can be referred to as the order in which authority and power in an organization are delegated from those at the senior management to the employees who are at the other lower levels. The chain of command is used in the provision of control and the necessary communications for a successful completion of a mission. Various levels are involved in the chain. Each level is accountable to the higher levels and responsible for the lower levels. In the military, the chain of command in the United States starts with the president who is the Commander in Chief. The president is the primary source of the information which flows to the lower level which is the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Army, Chairman of the staff, Commander in Chief CENTCOM and finally to the Commanding General. The United States military services are organized in a manner that they follow this concept of the chain of command. It is because with the chain of command there is a clear structure on how the orders flow from the higher levels of the military commander to the junior soldiers who include the sailors, airman, and marine soldiers. It ensures that those at the lower level are also able to air their problems to those at the higher levels. To enhance the efficiency of the chain, those involved must ensure that they are loyal to each other. The chain mainly aims at ensuring that problems are solved while at the lowest level (Cooper and Colacci).

The organizational structure of the USAF is designed in a way that the chain of command is clear from the president to the most junior airman. The Air Force is organized by the Secretary of the Air Force. The structure follows the management principles of emphasizing on tasks that are related to war time, standard levels, functional grouping and lean organizational structures. It is composed of units, non-units, and establishments. The establishment is made up of headquarters and subordinate units. The establishments that are at the lower level are assigned to those that are on the higher level such as NAFs to MAJCOMs and MAJCOMs to HQ USAF. Such an arrangement lays out the emphasis of the chain of command whereby it enhances the flow of accountability and control. The unit consists of the directives that are issued by the HQ USAF and recognized through a name or a number. It helps in ensuring that the chain of command is not broken since every military personnel has to be assigned to a unit always. The headquarters of USAF, Major Command, and Numbered Air Force are the standard levels that are responsible for the design and structure of the Air Force units (Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms).

The United States Air Force Policy Directive 36-50 advocates for the support of the Civil Air Patrol to ensure that the resources are correctly allocated. The Secretary of the Air Force is held responsible for the policy that is used, allocation and oversight of the resources of Air Force in support of CAP. The CAP support programs, identification of requirements and execution of various programs are established by the headquarters of US Air Force with the help of CAP-USAF and Air University. The Air Force ensures that enough authority is exercised to enhance the CAP liaison organization, the members duties and the structure of the organization. The public law 79-476 of the United States allows CAP to have bylaws and a constitution that guides it. The governing body of CAP is the Board of Governors who are in charge of the daily activities and actions (Defense Support of Civil Authorities).

The chain of command is essential in the US army. It helps in the giving and receiving of orders. It contributes towards boosting the morale of the soldiers and ensure that their welfare is maintained. When soldiers have someone to report to their issues and address them, they feel that they are appreciated, and this motivates them to do their job. Through the chain of command, the problems of the soldiers can be dealt with at the lowest level quickly. If one leader at the lower level is unable to solve a particular conflict that arises among the soldiers it is taken to the next level whereby the leaders have more knowledge on solving different matters. It enhances equality as it ensures that everyone in the military follows a particular protocol while giving their views and that no one is treated in a special way as each level must be followed. It helps the leaders to know about the condition of the soldiers who are below their levels and help them, through this communication can flow from both directions. Utilization of the chain of command enables the soldiers to be able to avoid any form of trouble with their seniors and also get the right type of training. It reduces conflict in the working environment as it shows who is in charge from the lowest to the highest level and avoids a situation whereby everyone thinks that they are in charge. It defines responsibility and identifies accountability. The members know their specific duties and their status within the chain.

It enhances the efficiency of the soldiers as they carry out the orders without any delay or discussion. It is their duty to follow the orders of those who are at a higher rank than them. It is the clear definition of a hierarchical structure which enhances the smooth running of operations and discipline of the soldiers. Through it, the decision-making process is simplified. It helps in distinguishing the relationship of the seniors and juniors within the United States military. The Chain of Command provides the military with a structure and organization that is required for it to function. It allows the men and women of the service to work as a united force that is one.

The primary concern of accountability is recording, unlike responsibility whereby its main aim is care, safekeeping, and custody. The U.S Army enforces accountability for various reasons such as inventories, enhance the work procedures and safety. Accountability in the military is essential as it allows the leaders of different levels in the chain of command to be in a position of knowing where its members are at a particular time. The soldiers are required to leave their contacts to their leaders. Anything is bound to happen while the soldiers are in their line of duty and hence their team leaders have an obligation to know where the soldier is and as well as his equipments. The United States government invests in buying of the different types of equipment and hence the lack of accountability would result to them being misused or using them for the wrong purpose (Phillips).

Accountability helps in assuring individuals that their various needs will be met through enforcement of safety and work procedures. It builds trust amongst the soldiers, and also the citizens can trust them as well that they will fulfill what they claim to do. Every soldier in the military is responsible for their actions. If a military personnel leaves the prospective place of business where he/she had been allocated the individual will be held in charge for those people who work in that environment for the safety purpose.

Accountability is of great importance in the military since without it once a mistake occurs there is no one to be blamed for it. It helps in keeping track of actions, decisions, and policies through recording, assessment, and evaluation. Accountability in the military can result in new policies being formulated due to the rules and regulations that are obsolete.

In conclusion, the single chain of command tends to allow the army to be able to exercise authority and also direct orders from those at the highest level to those who are at the lowest level. It enables those at the lower levels to also channel their problems and feedback to their leaders. In the military, any communication that is regarded as formal is communicated through the chain of command. The Chain of command should be maintained as it helps in setting the role of each soldier who is in the military. The USAF and the CAP are allowed to exercise the chain of command power. It is of great importance that the United States military members to ensure that they do not violate the rules involved for an efficient chain of command to enhance the provision of quality services.

Works Cited

Cooper, C G, and David Colacci. Chain of Command: Corps Justice Series, Book 9. 2017.

Defense Support of Civil Authorities. Department of the Army, 2013.

Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. Defense Technical Information Center, 2010.

Phillips, James R. J. Accountability - the Pillar of Successful Command. Defense Technical Information Center, 1996.

The U.S. Army/marine Corps Counterinsurgency Field Manual: U.S. Army Field Manual No. 3-24: Marine Corps Warfighting Publication No. 3-33.5. U of Chicago P, 2007.