Overview

In a military context, the Chain of Command is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within a military unit and between different operational units. In simpler terms, the Chain of Command is the succession of leaders through which command is exercised and executed. Orders are transmitted down the chain of command, from a responsible superior, such as a commissioned officer, to lower-ranked subordinate(s) who either execute the order personally or transmit it down the chain as appropriate, until it is received by those expected to execute it.

The concept of Chain of Command implies that higher rank alone does not entitle a higher-ranking service member to give commands to anyone of lower rank. The Chain of Command means that individual members take orders from only one superior and only give orders to a defined group of people immediately below them. A service member who has difficulty executing a duty or order and appeals for relief directly to an officer above his immediate commander in the chain of command is likely to be disciplined for not respecting the chain of command.

In addition, within combat units, Line Officers are in the Chain of Command, but Staff Officers in specialist fields are not. Staff officers can apply to be placed in the traditional Chain of Command by taking the Starfleet Bridge Officer's Examination. The final exam requires the officer to make an uncomfortable choice that sends one person under their direct command to certain death. No one who failed the test could serve as a command officer, except in a true emergency situation.

U.S.S. Enterprise Chain of Command