chain of command

n., pl., chains of command.
A system whereby authority passes down from the top through a series of executive positions or military ranks in which each is accountable to the one directly superior.

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Structure of decision-making responsibilities from the higher levels of authority to the lower levels. It originated in the military and encourages compliance without dissension.

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The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a subordinate through which command is exercised. Also called command channel.

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The continuous chain of authority that links the most junior private to the Commander in Chief and vice versa. Many argue that the U. S. implementation of the chain of command is the most important strategy employed by our military forces. In other armies the loss of a commander would throw the entire organization into disorder while in the U. S. military, the next most senior person present just assumes command. It is taught that whenever two Marines are walking together, one is in charge.

(DOD, NATO) The succession of commanding officers from a superior to a subordinate through which command is exercised. Also called command channel.