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LESSON 3: MOVING UP IN ARMY From the top to the bottom of this pyra-
JROTC (RANK AND STRUCTURE) mid is a chain of command. The chain of com-
mand is a succession of leaders through which
authority and commands pass from the leader to
battalion subordinate, and then down through the ranks.
company
enlisted CHAIN OF COMMAND
platoons
specialists An effective chain of command can
squads guarantee that all members are on the same
subordinate team, working hard to accomplish their indi-
succession vidual tasks and those of the unit. A chain of
team(s) command depends on team members having
various duties.
Army JROTC has a well-defined struc- Span of control is the number of imme-
ture of organization. Each person in the unit has diate subordinates one commander or leader
an individual job that is part of a larger task, can effectively control, supervise, or direct.
which is part of a much larger mission. This Maximum and minimum limits of control vary
lesson introduces you to the major concepts of with the conditions under which the unit oper-
command within the military, it shows you the ates and the complexity of the functions per-
various U.S. Army and Army JROTC enlisted formed.
and officer ranks, and it presents a typical
organizational structure for a JROTC cadet UNITY OF COMMAND
battalion.
In every effective military unit, there
PYRAMID OF AUTHORITY must be only one commander who is responsi-
ble for all that the unit does or all that it fails to
There is a pyramid of authority within do. This commander must have the necessary
most organizations. For JROTC and the mili- authority in order to carry out the responsibili-
tary, this pyramid of authority includes individ- ties of the unit.
ual and group responsibility. In this lesson, you
will find out how this pyramid works along RANK AND GRADE
with the ranks and structure of your Cadet Bat-
talion. “Rank” and “grade” are terms used by
the military to classify soldiers. Rank is the
actual title held by a soldier, while grade is a
Unity of
Command letter/number combination that means the same
Span of thing. Soldiers are classified as either enlisted
Control
or officers. The following chart identifies the
Chain of
Command rank and grade for soldiers in the U.S. Army.
Within the enlisted ranks are two divi- Commissioned officers are appointed
sions based on experience and skill. The first by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
three enlisted positions are usually entry level. Commissioned officers have authority over
(Note: Personnel designated as specialists are lower ranking officers, warrant officers, and
comparable to the noncommissioned officer enlisted personnel. Warrant officers rank
rank of corporal, and are commonly referred to between an enlisted person and a second
as technicians. They are not placed in command lieutenant and primarily hold positions as
of other enlisted personnel.) technicians or administrative supervisors.
A similar structure exists for cadet offi- A similar organization exists within your own
cers and noncommissioned officers in the Army cadet battalion.
JROTC Program. The insignia of grade for ca-
det officers and noncommissioned officers is The Cadet Battalion Commander
shown here. The grade of warrant officer does reports to the Army instructors and to the
not exist in Army JROTC. The chart on the principal. All other officers and noncom-
next page illustrates a model cadet battalion missioned officers report to the Cadet Battalion
organizational structure that establishes a Commander through the chain of command.
clearly defined chain of command and pyramid
of authority — much the same as in the Army.
Battalion Organization
Battalion
Commander
list duties and responsibilities different from the final approval authority in the cadet chain
these; however, the JROTC instructor staff will of command.
determine the exact positions and duties for
your organization. Cadet leaders are expected The specific duties of the battalion com-
to become familiar with their own duties and mander are to:
responsibilities as well as those of their superi-
ors and subordinates. (a) Command the battalion at all forma-
tions.
Use the following duties and respon-
sibilities as a guide only. As you can see by this (b) Prepare for and conduct the training of
chart, a model cadet battalion organization has the battalion on drill days.
a clearly defined chain of command.
(c) Maintain a direct and personal relation-
BATTALION ship with the staff and the company
COMMANDER
commanders.
BATTALION
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
BATTALION COMMAND
SERGEANT MAJOR
(d) Encourage the company commanders to
communicate freely.
S-1 S-2 S-3 S-4 S-5 (e) Use the staff to assist in gathering
information and preparing plans for
conducting training and controlling the
COMPANY A COMPANY B COMPANY C
COMMANDER COMMANDER COMMANDER battalion.
vice and assistance from the instructor mistakes, knowing that the greatest mistake is
staff and carry out all of their directives to do nothing when action is required. You use
quickly and completely. all available help to accomplish company duties
(k) Arrange the required meetings and and to keep subordinates informed, at the same
assemble the required command or staff time ensuring that the goals of the mission
personnel to determine any actions that remain in focus.
may be necessary in fulfilling the obli-
gations of the cadet battalion. You provide the why and how to
accomplish the assigned mission. Then, you
(l) Be prepared to evaluate any member must check and inspect to ensure that what you
of the battalion, but specifically the bat- wanted done is being accomplished. You must
talion headquarters personnel and the be an outstanding leader with plenty of initia-
company commanders. tive. Do not wait for someone to tell you what
to do — think ahead and plan what you believe
(m)Make operational decisions for the cadet is best for the company. (Note: In some organ-
battalion. izations where actions go from the battalion
staff to class leaders, the company commander
(n) Preside over officer calls. has the duties of a special assignment officer.)
your subordinates are prepared to battalion XO keeps the staff informed of the
instruct. commander’s policies and keeps the cadet bat-
talion commander informed of the status of
(d) Check with the instructor staff daily projects assigned to the staff. The cadet bat-
prior to formation to obtain any changes talion XO assumes command of the cadet bat-
or other information they may want talion in the absence of the cadet battalion
announced. commander.
(e) Seek advice from the battalion com- The primary duties of the cadet battal-
mander or the instructor staff when ion XO are to:
encountering a problem to which you
do not know the answer. (a) Organize the cadet battalion staff prop-
erly and ensure that it works as a team.
(f) Execute the orders of the battalion com-
mander as if they were your orders, (b) Inspect the work of the cadet battalion
even though you may personally dis- staff and make other inspections as
agree with them. directed by the cadet battalion
commander.
(g) Conduct short inspections at every for-
mation, making on-the-spot corrections (c) Ensure that the battalion staff officers
as necessary; follow-up to ensure that prepare and submit reports on time and
deficiencies from earlier inspections are that they are engaged in future planning.
corrected.
(d) Act as the commander of troops during
(h) Make each cadet an effective member ceremonies.
of the team; take an interest in them and
their problems; offer advice and help (e) Ensure that instructions and orders
them to solve their problems. issued to the cadet battalion are in
accordance with the established policies
(i) Make on-the-spot corrections at any of the cadet battalion commander;
time to ensure that all members of the report all violations of orders to the
company understand and comply with cadet battalion commander.
cadet regulations.
(f) Perform other duties as assigned by
(j) Keep the company executive officer in- the cadet battalion commander or the
formed in case of your absence. instructor staff.
1. Battalion Adjutant (S-1) (f) Publish and execute the cadet battalion's
recruiting plan.
The battalion adjutant is the adminis-
trative assistant to the battalion commander. (g) Collect, consolidate, post, and main-
The adjutant is also responsible for performing tain all merit and demerit reports and
other administrative duties as assigned by the records.
battalion commander, battalion executive offi-
cer, or the instructor staff. (h) Coordinate with the company com-
manders and the battalion staff on rec-
The specific duties of the battalion adju- ommendations to the instructor staff on
tant are to: reassignments and organization; assign
cadets to the various companies and
(a) Assist in aligning the battalion at all maintain a record of those assignments.
battalion formations.
(i) Prepare periodic strength reports under
(b) Receive the report at battalion forma- the supervision of the instructor staff
tions from the company commanders and keep the manning board posted and
and receive the names of absentees from up to date.
the sergeant major.
(j) Report incidents that are prejudicial to
(c) Plan for the conduct of special ceremo- good order and discipline, and submit
nies in coordination with the operations reports to the instructor staff, the cadet
and training officer. battalion commander, and the executive
officer.
(d) Prepare and publish any orders neces-
sary for the operation of the cadet bat-
talion.
(k) In coordination with the S-2, make rec- for the duties of an ordnance officer if
ommendations to improve morale and one is not assigned.)
welfare of the cadet battalion.
3. Battalion Operations and Training
(l) Perform other duties as assigned by the Officer (S-3)
battalion commander, battalion execu-
tive officer, or the instructor staff. The battalion S-3 assists the battalion
commander in the preparation, conduct, and
2. Battalion Intelligence or Security supervision of all training activities of the cadet
Officer (S-2) battalion. Additionally, the S-3 keeps the com-
mander advised on the progress of training
The battalion S-2 assists the battalion within the battalion. Specifically, the principal
commander and the instructor staff in matters duties of the S-3 are to:
pertaining to unit security and enforces the
provisions of the security requirements for the (a) Prepare the weekly training schedules.
battalion.
(b) Select and designate cadet instructors in
The specific duties of the S-2 are to: coordination with the instructor staff;
post the weekly training schedules not
(a) Assist in making periodic inspections of later than one week in advance of train-
the security of weapons (if available ing on all bulletin boards.
within the unit).
(c) Assign areas for outdoor training and
(b) Make periodic inspections of the secu- ensure classrooms are available and
rity of the supply room and equipment prepared for instruction.
storage areas.
(d) Inspect the drill field prior to use by the
(c) Make necessary on-the-spot corrections battalion and prepare it for ceremonies.
resulting from security inspections and
keep the battalion commander and (e) Coordinate the training of the rifle
instructor staff informed. team(s), drill team(s), Color Guard, and
the honor guard; also, coordinate train-
(d) In coordination with the S-1, report ing for guidon bearers and manual of
incidents that are prejudicial to good the saber for cadet officers.
order and discipline, and submit reports
to the instructor staff, the cadet battalion (f) Organize events such as reviews,
commander, and the executive officer. parades, and extracurricular activities.
(e) Perform other duties as assigned by the (g) Plan and supervise field events.
battalion commander, battalion execu-
tive officer, or the instructor staff. (For (h) Inspect cadet training for compliance.
example, in some JROTC units, the S-2
may also be responsible for the infor- (i) Maintain the unit reference library.
mation center and the duties of a public
affairs officer if one is not assigned or
(j) Maintain the training portion of cadet (f) Maintain security of all items of cloth-
records. ing and equipment in the supply room
and training aids storage area.
(k) Assume command of the battalion in
the absence of both the battalion com- (g) Maintain the supply room in a neat and
mander and XO. orderly fashion at all times.
The battalion logistics or supply officer (j) Collect and dispose of excess salvage
is responsible for the maintenance, security, equipment and clothing.
record keeping, issue, and turn-in of all U.S.
government property (except ordnance). The (k) Supervise the activities of the battalion
S-4 coordinates the securing of property with ordnance officer (if assigned).
the S-2. Some of the duties of the S-4 are to:
(l) Perform other duties as assigned by the
(a) Create a JROTC Clothing and Equip- battalion commander, battalion execu-
ment Record for each cadet. Maintain tive officer, or the instructor staff.
all cadet supply records in proper order.
5. Special Projects Officer (S-5)
(b) Maintain accountability of all equip- (Optional)
ment and supplies used by the unit.
The duties of the cadet battalion special
(c) Conduct periodic inventories of the on- projects officer, if assigned, are to:
hand supplies and equipment; submit
weekly reports to the instructor staff on (a) Plan and coordinate special projects as
the availability of supplies and on the outlined by the cadet battalion com-
condition of equipment. mander, cadet battalion XO, or the
instructor staff.
(d) Ensure that adequate cleaning materials
are available for use during assigned (b) Maintain records on all activities and
maintenance activities. coordination as they pertain to each
project.
(e) In coordination with the battalion ser-
geant major, make periodic inspections (c) Keep the cadet battalion commander,
of the national, state, and organizational cadet battalion XO, and the instructor
Colors for serviceability. staff informed as to the progress of, or
(b) Advise and assist the battalion com- (a) Organize the training schedule for the
mander in all matters pertaining to the Rifle Marksmanship Team.
enlisted members of the cadet battalion.
(b) Schedule matches/competitions for the
(c) Assist the adjutant in the formation and Rifle Marksmanship Team; coordinate
alignment of the battalion at all battal- these activities with the S-3 and the
ion formations. cadet battalion training schedule.
(d) Receive lists of absentees from the (c) Supervise maintenance and care of the
companies and submit them to the JROTC rifle range.
adjutant.
(d) Develop the rifle marksmanship pro-
(e) Supervise the color guard and all flag gram for the cadet battalion.
details. Ensure that company first ser-
geants submit their weekly flag details (e) Coordinate weapon requirements with
on time, post those rosters, and ensure the S-4.
that members selected for detail receive
their notification slips prior to the 2. Drill Team Captain
assignment.
Primary duties are to:
(f) Ensure the flag details are properly
trained. (a) Recruit members and organize the cadet
Drill Team.
(g) Ensure that the battalion area, including
the drill field, is maintained in a high (b) Schedule the Drill Team training
state of police at all times and that program.
JROTC offices and classrooms are kept
neat and orderly. (c) Coordinate uniform and weapon
requirements with the S-4.
(h) Preside over all noncommissioned offi-
cer promotion boards. (d) Schedule drill programs, parades, and
competitions for the Drill Team; coor-
(i) Assume command of the battalion in dinate these activities with the S-3 and
the absence of all officers. the cadet battalion training schedule.
(c) Coordinate uniform, flag, and weapon 3. Platoon Leaders (Cadet 2nd Lieutenant)
requirements with the S-4.
The platoon leader is a very desirable
(d) Schedule competitions for the Color position. If you are a platoon leader, you have a
Guard; coordinate these activities with platoon of cadets for whom you are directly
the S-3 and the cadet battalion training responsible. Primarily, your job is one of
schedule. leadership, training, and discipline. You also
have the opportunity and privilege to be a role
(e) Inspect uniform and personal appear- model, coach, and counselor. The duties and
ance of Color Guard members. responsibilities of a platoon leader are to:
(f) Be thoroughly familiar with FM 22-5. (a) Keep the company commander apprised
of the status of the platoon at all times.
G. OTHER COMPANY, PLATOON, AND
(b) Organize and maintain an effective
SQUAD PERSONNEL
chain of command. Learn the name of
every one in your platoon and use their
1. Company Executive Officers (Cadet 1st
names when addressing them.
Lieutenant)
(c) Conduct an inspection of the platoon at
The company executive officer (XO) formations.
assists the company commander in the training
of the company and performs such administra- (d) Use the chain of command to accom-
tive duties as designated by the commander. plish tasks; work mainly with the pla-
The company XO should be well versed in all toon sergeant and the squad leaders.
functions of the company and prepared to
assume command of the company in the (e) Know all cadet regulations and ensure
absence of the company commander. that all members of the platoon also
know and follow them.
2. Company First Sergeants
(f) Enforce orders from superiors whether
The company first sergeant is respons- you agree with them or not; however, if
ible to the company XO (if assigned) or to the you think an order is wrong, discuss it
company commander for administrative mat- with the chain of command or the
ters. The company first sergeant is responsible instructors, as necessary. Develop a
for company formations, submits absentee spirit of teamwork so as to instill
reports to the battalion sergeant major, checks respect, obedience, and cooperation in
all merits and demerits with the company com- the unit.
mander before submitting them to the S-1, and
keeps the company commander informed on all (g) Know all phases of drill; be able to
matters pertaining to health and welfare of the supervise/conduct platoon drill and, if
unit. The first sergeant assumes command of you are the senior officer present in a
the company in the absence of all officers. formation, be able to conduct company
drill.
ber, the platoon leader sets the example refer to the platoon sergeant/leader if
for the platoon to follow. you are unable to handle/resolve an
issue.
(i) Make an effort to resolve all leadership,
training, and disciplinary problems at (d) Form the squad correctly. Make an
your level; if you cannot solve a prob- accurate report by name of those per-
lem, seek the advice and assistance of sons present and absent during common
the company commander, company XO, hour activities, company platoon/
or first sergeant. formations, and other cadet battalion
activities.
(j) Provide assistance/counseling to per-
sonnel in the platoon, especially when (e) Be thoroughly familiar with individual,
requested by a squad leader or the pla- squad, and platoon drill. When conduct-
toon sergeant, and/or when necessary ing drill, instruct/demonstrate the
for performance or disciplinary reasons. movement, allow time for individual
performance, then supervise team lead-
4. Platoon Sergeants (Cadet Staff ers and squad members to ensure they
Sergeant) perform properly. Conduct inspections
to ensure personnel are prepared for
Platoon sergeants set the example at all training.
times; assist in the supervision of the squad
leaders; develop a spirit of teamwork in the pla- (f) Develop responsibility and leadership in
toon; submit absentee reports to the company team leaders and be the first person they
first sergeant; assist the platoon leader in train- turn to for assistance and advice.
ing the platoon; counsel personnel at a squad
leader’s request; and assume control of the pla- 6. Team Leaders
toon in the absence of the platoon leader.
Team leaders are responsible for the
5. Squad Leaders (other Cadet NCOs) formation, appearance, training, and discipline
of their team members. Team Leader A must
Squad leaders are responsible to their be ready to assume control of the squad in
platoon leader/sergeant for the appearance, the absence of the squad leader. Team leaders
conduct, training, and discipline of their squad. assist their squad leaders as directed and must:
They ensure that each squad member learns and
(a) Set the example at all times.
does what is expected, and maintains high stan-
dards of behavior. Squad leaders must:
(b) Know the number, names, and personal
information on all assigned personnel.
(a) Set the example at all times.
(c) Assist team members with JROTC mat-
(b) Know the number, names, and personal ters when possible; refer them to the
information on all assigned personnel. squad leader for assistance if you are
unable to handle/resolve an issue.
(c) Counsel/assist squad members with
JROTC matters or help them find solu- (d) Be thoroughly familiar with individual
tions to other issues when possible; and squad drill; inspect team members
CONCLUSION