A Chain of Command (CoC) is a structured order of individuals who oversee
different levels of responsibility. With each stage of the CoC comes
a level of accountability. Information flowing up and down the chain
of command insures that everyone in the club is informed of what's
happening. In cases where you need information, or have information,
the place to start is at the level of the CoC directly above or below you.
Courtesy-copying others further away from you in the CoC is also acceptable,
but the CoC is not being effectively used if someone in it is bypassed.
THE COMMAND STRUCTURE OF KAG
Position:
Member at Large- A member of KAG who is not yet affiliated with a
ship.
Ship Member- A member affiliated with a ship. They are accountable
to their ship's commanding officer (CO).
Ship Commander- The officer in charge of ship command. Naval ship
commanders are accountable to the naval Quadrant Commander of the quadrant
in which they are located. Ship Commanders are responsible to maintain communication
with the members of their ship. Non-naval Ships' Commanders are accountable
to the leader of their Division.
Quadrant Commander- Naval Quad Commanders are in charge of a specified
area of a naval fleet. They are accountable to the naval Fleet Commander.
The QC is responsible to maintain communication with the ship CO's in their
Quadrant.
Fleet Commander- Responsible for maintaining communications with
the Quad Commanders for his Fleet. In the case of Fleets that aren't
divided into quadrants, the Fleet Commander is responsible to maintain communications
with the Ship's Commanding Officers of his Fleet.
Thought Admiral- Highest ranking officer of KAG. Gives direction
to the club overall, and address questions and concerns received through
all chains of command. Accountable to the membership of KAG.
SUPPORT DIVISION CHAIN OF COMMAND
The Chain of Command for KAG's various Support Divisions mirrors
the basic one shown above for Fleets. There are additional connections as
Divisional officers coordinate with their Fleet counterparts, i.e. the Quadrant
Fencer coordinating Marine activities with the Quadrant Commander. Specifics
of these connections and their impact on the Naval/Fleet CoC will be covered
in the Fleet and Division descriptions.
DUAL POSITIONS
Some people are members of more than one club (or of more than one
division within KAG). An individual may consider taking on more
than one command position. Although this is not prohibited, it
must be pointed out that command positions are a responsibility.
Trying to do justice to more than one can lead to serious overwork,
and sometimes conflict-of-interest situations. So be careful
that you don't take on more than you can comfortably handle.
If you find yourself in a conflict-of-interest situation, the honorable
thing to do is to defer the duty in question to another officer.
THE HIGH COUNCIL
This is perhaps the most important of all of KAG's 'informal structures'.
While not itself part of any Chain of Command, the Council consists of all
of KAG's Command, from Quadrant Commanders to Thought Admirals. The Council
operates through the positions of its members, using debate, adaptability,
and consensus to guide the club. The Council makes sure that when decisions
are made that affect the club, they are informed decisions, made with the
input of KAG's members. Through its representatives, each member of KAG
has access to all levels of KAG's Command. Through its work, each member
can see that they can have an influence on the future of their club.