CHAIN OF COMMAND AR 600-20

1 What is the purpose of the Chain of Command?

A. The purpose of the Chain of Command is to assist commanders at all levels to achieve their primary responsibility of accomplishing the unit's mission, while caring for personnel and property in their charge.

2. What does a simple and direct Chain of Command do?

A. A simple and direct Chain of Command facilitates the transmittal of orders from the highest to the lowest levels in a minimum of time and with the least chance of misinterpretation.

3. Who is responsible for everything the command does or fails to do?

A. The commanders.

4. What is the responsibility soldiers have within their unit?

A. They have a responsibility to ensure their unit commander is made aware of problems which affect the discipline, morale, and effectiveness of the unit.

5. What is the NCO Support Channel?

A. The NCO Support Channel is a channel of communication and supervision from the Command Sergeants Major to First Sergeants and then to other NCO's and enlisted personnel of the units.

6. What does the NCO Support Channel do?

A. The NCO Support Channel parallels and complements the chain of command.

7. Can an NCO deliver a DA Form 2627 (Record of proceedings under Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice) and inform the member of his or her rights?

A. Yes. The commander may authorize an NCO in the grade of Sergeant First Class or above, provided such person is senior in rank to the person being notified.

 8. The NCO Support Channel will assist the chain of command in accomplishing what?

A. It will assist in accomplishing the following:

1) Transmitting, instilling, and ensuring the efficiency of the professional Army ethic.

2) Planning and conducting the day-to-day unit operations within prescribed policies and directives.

3) Training of enlisted soldiers in their MOS as well as in the basic skills and attributes of a soldier.

4) Supervising unit physical fitness training and ensuring that unit soldiers comply with the weight and appearance standards of AR 600-9 and AR 670-1.

5) Teaching soldiers the history of the Army, to include military customs, courtesies, and traditions.

6) Caring for individual soldiers and their families both on and off duty.

7) Teaching soldiers the mission of the unit and developing individual training programs to support the mission.

8) Accounting for and maintaining individual arms and equipment of enlisted soldiers, and unit equipment under their control.

9) Administering and monitoring the NCO Professional Development Programs.

10) Achieving and maintaining courage, candor, competence, and commitment.