Chain of Command

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

Description

Member-at-Large
A member of KAG who is not yet affiliated with a ship. They are accountable to their Quadrant, Fleet, or Division CO.
Ship Member
A member affiliated with a ship. They are accountable to their ship’s commanding officer (CO).
Ship Commander (CO)
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, or Fleet Commander if their Fleet does not contain Quadrants. 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 (QC)
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 (FC)
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.
Division Commander (DC)
Responsible for maintaining communications with the Thought-Admiral on all Division activities. Division Commanders are also responsible for ensuring their Divisions are functioning correctly and fulfilling their duties.
Thought-Admiral (TA)
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.