Command Authority

Military command includes legal authority over people (administrative control, or ADCON) and for the mission and resources (operational control, or OPCON).

Staff, including vice and deputy commanders, lack command authority. Staff members assist the commander through advising, planning, researching and investigating. Directives must be issued on behalf of the commander.

A commander's authority over active duty military members includes off-base conduct.

While commanders have administrative authority to hold Reserve Component members responsible for misconduct at any time, such members are only subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice when in an active duty status.

Commanders further have authority over their civilian employees, including promotions, bonuses and sanctions.