What are the two chains of command?

What are the two chains of command?

• A. Legislative and Judicial.
• B. Civilian and Military.
• C. Operational and Administrative.
• D. Strategic and Tactical.

Answer: (C)

In this context, two chains of command are the operational chain and the administrative chain. The operational chain directs how forces are used to accomplish missions—who issues battle or mission orders and how units are tasked and coordinated in the field. The administrative chain handles personnel management and support functions—things like assignments, evaluations, pay, logistics, and other internal administration that keep the force functioning. Having these parallel chains allows mission execution to proceed under clear leadership while ensuring personnel and support actions stay aligned with civilian and higher-level supervision. This concept stands apart from options like branches of government, the civilian-military distinction, or levels of planning (strategic and tactical), which are not the ways the military structures command authority.

In this context, two chains of command are the operational chain and the administrative chain. The operational chain directs how forces are used to accomplish missions—who issues battle or mission orders and how units are tasked and coordinated in the field. The administrative chain handles personnel management and support functions—things like assignments, evaluations, pay, logistics, and other internal administration that keep the force functioning. Having these parallel chains allows mission execution to proceed under clear leadership while ensuring personnel and support actions stay aligned with civilian and higher-level supervision. This concept stands apart from options like branches of government, the civilian-military distinction, or levels of planning (strategic and tactical), which are not the ways the military structures command authority.