“As a leader. You will not receive any authority, status or position as a personal reward that you can enjoy comfortably. You receive them in order to render a greater service to your subordinates, to your unit and to your country. FM 22-100, Army Leadership (1983) – note that this is a reference to an outdated manual, but still applies. 3-170. All soldiers must refuse to participate in extremist organizations and activities. Extremist organizations and activities are those that promote racial, gender or ethnic hatred or intolerance. They are also those who advocate, create or participate in unlawful discrimination based on race, colour, sex, religion or national origin. Extremist organizations are also those that advocate the use or use of force or force or illegal means to deprive individuals of their rights under the Constitution of the United States or the laws of the United States or any other state by illegal means. The law was at the origin of much of the common doctrine and structure of today`s armed forces and helped introduce the concept of combatant command (Bryant, 1993).
Today, as an example of CCMD, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) would exercise command of combatants by mobilizing thousands of military personnel from all services in response to a national crisis. Being an effective member of a team as a soldier means knowing your role and the rules of that team. This chapter explains the importance of duty, responsibility and authority and how they apply to every soldier in the army. A brief reference to some of the rules that soldiers follow can be found in the sections on wear and tear, appearance, fit, and standards of conduct. The discussion of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) explains some of the procedures involved in the application of military justice. This chapter provides a brief overview of these topics and more detailed information can be found in the corresponding manuals. 2-24. General military authority is the power extended to all soldiers to act and act in the absence of a head of unit or other designated authority. It has its origins in official oaths, laws, rank structures, traditions and regulations. This broad power also allows leaders to take appropriate corrective action when a member of an armed service, anywhere, commits an act that involves a violation of good order or discipline. For example, if you see soldiers in a fight, you have the general military authority (and obligation) to end the fight.
This authority applies even if none of the soldiers are part of your unit. 3-172. Commanders have the power to prohibit soldiers from engaging or participating in other activities that they deem prejudicial to good order, discipline or morale within the command. Commanders may order the removal of symbols, flags, posters or other displays from barracks. Commanders may also taboo areas or activities or order soldiers not to participate in activities that are contrary to the good order, discipline or morale of the unit or that pose a threat to the health, safety and security of military personnel or a military facility. Commanders have ways to deal with soldiers who violate the bans. For example, the commander may apply section 15, which prohibits reinstatement or other administrative or disciplinary measures. 3-135.
Read AR 27-10, Military Justice, the Manual for Courts-Martial (MCM), USA, or visit your installation law firm for more information. See also Chapter 7 for information on the impact of the nature of relief on post-termination benefits. Making the right decision is crucial for the soldier receiving the punishment as well as the person administering the punishment under the UCMJ. 3-31. When a leader assigns a task to a subordinate, he also delegates the authority necessary to perform the task. The subordinate assumes responsibility for both the accomplishment of the task and the authority necessary to accomplish it. However, the leader always retains overall responsibility for the outcome of the task and is prepared to respond to any act or omission related to the outcome. Department of the Army. (2019). Army Doctrine Publications 6.0: Mission command: Command and control of Army forces. armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN18314-ADP_6-0-000-WEB-3.pdf 3 to 25.
Command power is not necessarily limited to appointed officers (including arrest warrants). Every soldier assigned to a leadership position shall have the inherent authority of that position to give orders necessary for the accomplishment of his mission or for the well-being of his soldiers, unless they violate laws or regulations. A tank commander, squad leader, section or platoon sergeant uses this authority to direct and control his soldiers. In such cases, the authority exercised by the Leader shall be limited to the soldiers and institutions that make up the leader`s unit. 3-13. Accountability is linked to accountability. It is the requirement to be accountable to superiors (and ultimately to the American people) for the accomplishment of the mission, the life and care of the assigned soldiers, and the effective and efficient use of military resources. It also includes the obligation to be responsible for the appropriate use of delegated authorities. Leaders are responsible for what they do or don`t do. For example, SSG Calhoun must explain to the platoon driver and platoon sergeant why three tires from one of his squad vehicles are not inflated to the air pressure specified in the technical manual. Soldiers are accountable for their actions to their comrades or organizations, their leaders, the military, and the American people.
Although this guide refers to non-commissioned officers, you can see that the power of officers is the same. 3-23. Authority is the legitimate power of rulers to direct their subordinates or to take action within the framework of their position. Military authority begins with the Constitution, which divides it between Congress and the President. Congress has the power to pass laws that govern the military. The president, as commander-in-chief, commands the armed forces, including the army.