Therefore, modern command authority requires a coalition of supporting members working in unison. Current and future operations may be joint, interagency, intergovernmental, multinational, or some combination of the above (Prewitt, 2020). Units today often operate in dynamic environments characterized by multi-domain operations. Modern commanders, however, find themselves in a unique position as they rarely operate unilaterally, nor are they confined to working solely with their respective branch.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (2013) state, “Command is central to all military action, and unity of command is central to unity of effort” (p. The relationship between command, unity of command, and unity of effort is symbiotic.

This article will analyze command relationships and authorities in the joint environment, use historical vignettes to demonstrate how different aspects of command were used both successfully and unsuccessfully in wartime environments, and highlight how senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs) can best affect the battlefield. It has different levels and missions as the commander’s intent is passed down through multiple echelons. Jarred Woods)Ĭommand is integral to military operations, but is not just a simple surface structure. Mohammad Ali Hussaini, command sergeant major of the Ground Forces Command, Afghan National Army (ANA), discuss issues between briefings at the Initial Best Practices Seminar held at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, March 27, 2014. Vimoto, command sergeant major of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) and 18th Airborne Corps and Command Sgt.

Unity of command