Chain of Command

Chain of Command

The chain of command defines the hierarchy of authority within the Ranger Company. All orders, requests, and issues should flow through the appropriate levels.

Structure

1. Company Commander (MAJ / CPT) — Ultimate authority over all company operations, personnel, and policy. Responsible for overall mission readiness, discipline, and strategic direction.

2. Senior Enlisted Advisor (CSM / SGM) — Senior enlisted leader advising the commander. Manages NCO development, personnel standards, and day-to-day enlisted affairs.

3. Platoon Officers (FLT / SLT) — Lead their assigned platoon. Coordinate with squad leaders, manage training within their element, and are the primary point of escalation above NCO level.

4. Senior NCOs (1SG / MSG / SFC) — Experienced non-commissioned officers who mentor junior NCOs, oversee training execution, and assist officers with personnel management.

5. Squad Leaders (SSG / SGT) — Directly supervise their squad. First point of contact for any personnel concerns, attendance issues, or operational questions.

6. Junior NCOs / Team Leaders (CPL) — Lead fireteams within the squad. Responsible for small-unit tactics and mentoring junior enlisted members.

7. Enlisted (SPC / PFC / PVT) — The backbone of the company. Expected to follow orders from their chain and communicate needs through their team leader or squad leader.

Rank Hierarchy (High to Low)

Officers: MAJ → CPT → FLT → SLT

Senior NCOs: CSM → SGM → 1SG → MSG → SFC

NCOs: SSG → SGT → CPL

Enlisted: SPC → PFC → PVT

Special: BMT (Basic Military Training), VIS (Visitor)

Principles

• Follow the chain. Direct your concerns to your immediate superior first. Only escalate if the matter is unresolved or if the issue involves your immediate superior.

• Authority flows downward. Orders are issued from higher to lower. Do not countermand an order from a superior without authorization from someone of equal or higher rank.

• Information flows both ways. Leaders must keep their subordinates informed, and subordinates must report relevant information upward.

Succession

If a leader becomes unavailable during an operation, command passes to the next most senior member within that element based on the rank hierarchy above. If no qualified leader is present, the parent element's officer or senior NCO will designate a temporary replacement.

Bypass Protocol

The chain of command may be bypassed only in the following cases:

• Emergency situations where delay would result in harm.

• Reports involving misconduct by the immediate superior.

• Direct requests from the Company Commander or Senior Enlisted Advisor.