History Main / TheChainOfCommand

* ''VideoGame/{{Starcraft}}'': When Terran units are grouped together, the units are arranged in order of rank, with the highest ranks going first. While ranks are just a cosmetic rating, [[RankScalesWithAsskicking more powerful units are higher ranking and so will be listed first]]. For example, if gathering a mixed force, you'd have Goliaths (First Sergeant) followed by Siege tanks (Master Sergeant) followed by Vultures (Sergeant), then Firebats (Corporal) and finally the Marines (Private). On the other hand, heroes will always go first, no matter their rank e.g. Sarah Kerrigan (Lieutenant) will be listed ahead of units like Wraiths (Captain) or Battlecruisers (Commodore). This is ditched in ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'', where units that have more and frequently-used abilities are prioritized first, and ranks are determined by kills instead.

** During the D-Day landings, among other issues for the defending Axis troops the commander of Army Group B [[ForWantOfANail Erwin Rommel wasn't present when the invasion began due to taking a day's leave to celebrate his wife's birthday]].

** In ''ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW'', Prowl expresses frustration with the fact that the Autobots don't seem to take the chain of command seriously and opt to listen to charismatic "heroes" rather than actual superiors. The [[RagtagBandOfMisfits Wreckers]], the Monsterbots and the Dynobots are examples of units that completely ignored chain of command and basically went off doing whatever they wanted. [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome Both the Monsterbots and Dynobots ended up being branded as renegades and deserters]], though Grimlock got the other Dynobots pardoned by capturing Scorponok and Shockwave and turning over proof that he'd lied to the others about their mission, so they thought they were following an order from Optimus Prime. To Prowl's disappointment, even Optimus Prime seemed to prefer taking the advice of HotBlooded-types like Ironhide or Kup than someone BoringButPractical like him, despite Prowl's entire job being the strategist. This bites the Autobots in a big way during The Surge, when the Decepticons launched an all-out attack on all Autobot holdings simultaneously. After the Megaseries ended, however, Prowl's characterization began to change and he was shown to have had much more command and authority all along, to the point that he'd been able to run missions that Optimus Prime never found out about.

* ''UsefulNotes/WorldWarII'': During Operation Bodenplatte (a Luftwaffe operation meant to support the concurrent Battle of the Bulge), the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) handed over operational control of several of its forces in the area to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) in order to better respond to the attack. Sure enough, the unified chain of command made it easier for the Allied Air Force to identify where reinforcements were most needed in a timely manner.

* Some video games set in the ''Franchise/Gundam'' expanded universe play with the chain of command, one typical example being the protagonists answering directly to someone high up enough the chain that they are able to go wherever they're needed (thus allowing them to participate in some of the famous battles of the original ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' without being chained to a particular theatre). An example of this is the Midnight Fenrir unit from ''Mobile Suit Gundam 0079: Zeonic Front'', which answers directly to Kycillia Zabi and often shuffled around various theatres of war as the need arises.

* ''Webcomic/ShlockMercenary'': A few of [[BigBookOfWarThe Seventy Maxims of Maximally Effective Mercenaries]] have something to say about this:

** In ''The Naughtiest Girl'' series, punishments are decided upon during a schoolwide assembly headed by the Head Boy and Head Girl, with the headmistresses present simply as observers. On at least one occasion, the Head Boy and Head Girl realise they've out of their depth and call upon the headmistresses to take over.

'''Guldo:''' Right!\\
''[Guldo uses his psychic abilities to paralyze the heroes, giving the villains time to escape.]''

->'''Freeza''': Ginyu?\\
'''Ginyu''': Guldo?\\
'''Guldo''': Right!\\

* ''Creator/IDWPublishing'''s original [[ComicBook/TheTransformersIDW Transformers continuity]]: Prowl expresses frustration with the fact that the Autobots don't seem to take the chain of command seriously and opt to listen to charismatic "heroes" rather than actual superiors. The [[BadassCrew Wreck]][[RagtagBandOfMisfits ers]], the Monsterbots and the Dynobots are examples of units that completely ignored chain of command and basically went off doing whatever they wanted. [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome Both the Monsterbots and Dynobots ended up being branded as renegades and deserters]], though Grimlock got the other Dynobots pardoned by capturing Scorponok and Shockwave and turning over proof that he'd lied to the others about their mission so they thought they were following an order from Optimus Prime. To Prowl's disappointment, even Optimus Prime seemed to prefer taking the advice of HotBlooded-types like Ironhide or Kup than someone BoringButPractical like him, despite Prowl's entire job being the strategist. This bites the Autobots in a big way during The Surge, when the Decepticons launched an all out attack on all Autobot holdings simultaneously. After the Megaseries ended, however, Prowl's characterization began to change and he was shown to have had much more command and authority all along, to the point that he'd been able to run missions that Optimus Prime never found out about.
** One of the character profiles in ''ComicBook/TransformersLastStandOfTheWreckers'' is written from the point of view of a Decepticon commander scheduled for execution for assisting the [[DangerousDeserter renegade Overlord]]. He points out that [[OffOnATechnicality technically]] Overlord was never actually stripped of his rank and so was still a superior officer, meaning he was simply following the chain of command.

** In ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars30'', Mistuba Greyvalley is eager to link up with the ''Ra Callium'' commanded by Bright, and when they finally meet she offers him command of the unified heroes (as she's technically just an officer cadet while he's a veteran commander). Bright declines and says he'll only join if she remains in command, explaining that he believes she'd do a better job considering the MildlyMilitary nature of the unit. He also points out that she was directly appointed by Commodore Filke, and so it wouldn't be appropriate for him to just take charge without at least consulting the Commodore first.

While this most often appears in Main/MilitaryAndWarfareWorks, this can be seen in just about any work that involves organisations, such as Main/CrimeFiction (on both sides of the law), Main/SchoolStories [[labelnote: Example]] in real life a ClassRepresentative would bring up student concerns to a StudentCouncilPresident who'd then bring them up to their advisor, who'd then pass it up to the school administration [[/labelnote]] or even businesses. A common breach of protocol can involve a subordinate bypassing their direct superior and going right to '''their''' superior (described as "going over someone's head"). Similarly, it can be considered poor form for a superior to bypass their direct subordinate to issue commands directly to the subordinate's subordinates, even if it's technically allowed. [[labelnote: Example]] the President of the United States of America, in the role of Commander-In-Chief, ''could'' give orders directly to a sergeant... but considering that bypasses the entire military chain of command between the President and the sergeant it would make for a very poor look.[[/labelnote]] In addition, it'd be a faux pas for an officer to give orders to the subordinates of another officer directly without consulting the other officer. The chain of command means that individual members take orders from only one superior and only give orders to a defined group of people immediately below them, in order to maintain clarity and to avoid confusion.

# An officer is usually expected to give orders only to his or her direct subordinate(s), regardless of rank. [[labelnote: Example]] [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam Bright Noa]] at his rank of Lieutenant outranks [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam Shiro Amada]] (a second lieutenant). However, as Shiro is a member of a completely different unit and not part of Bright's command, Bright would have to contact Shiro's superior instead. Shiro in fact could either simply obey the orders, or advise that the orders have to be cleared with his superior. If Bright insists (e.g. it's an emergency so there isn't time to go through the normal channels), Shiro would be obligated to obey (since he must presume the orders given are legitimate). But even in such a case, Shiro would also have to consider if the new orders conflict with orders given by his own superior e.g. if he'd been ordered to hold a position, and Bright orders him to instead move to reinforce a different position which would mean abandoning the place he'd been tasked with defending by his superior. [[/labelnote]]

There are, naturally, problems with a chain of command. The longer the chain, the more time it takes for orders and reports to go up and down the chain, resulting in a slowed reaction time. An ObstructiveBureaucrat or two can add to the slowed reaction time, especially if they're sticklers for protocol. Main/RightHandVersusLeftHand can come about because the people lower down the chain don't know what others are doing and so accidentally get in each others' way. ThePeterPrinciple occurs when someone is promoted up the chain beyond their ability to perform, thus also affecting the smooth running of the organisation. JurisdictionFriction and InterserviceRivalry can also result (especially when a particular unit or group is placed ''outside'' the regular chain of command, breeding resentment), as well as a DelegationRelay when people don't ''want'' do deal with something and so use the chain of command to pass the buck (either upwards or downwards). Part of the reason a BavarianFireDrill can work is when people are so accustomed to following a chain of command they forget a crucial step (which is to ''confirm'' the person giving orders is actually authorised to do so). And that's before getting into the possibilities of TheMole or worse a MoleInCharge.

** One of the plot points in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' is the ''[[CoolShip White]] [[TheBattlestar Base]]'' being designated the 13th Autonomous Corps, giving [[TheCaptain Bright Noa]] the freedom to move between theatres of war rather than being tied down to a particular army or fleet. Once they enter a particular theatre, however, they place themselves under the command of the overall commander [[labelnote: example]] During Operation Odessa, the ''White Base'' reported directly to [[BigGood General Revil]] after uncovering that the general originally slated to command was a MoleInCharge, while during the Battle of Solomon the ''White Base'' joined the command of Admiral Tianem [[/labelnote]]. The FinalBattle at A Baoa Qu becomes a chaotic mess when General Revil is killed by [[KillSat the Colony Laser]] along with 20% of the Federation fleet during the approach, meaning that during the battle itself individual fleet commanders are directing their forces as best they can without a higher authority coordinating their efforts.

%% Image removed per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1639603078084468900
%% Please don't add a new image without starting a new thread.

->'''Freeza''': Ginyu?
->'''Ginyu''': Guldo?
->'''Guldo''': Right!
->''[Guldo uses his psychic abilities to paralyze the heroes, giving the villains time to escape.]''

** Since COBRA is a terrorist organisation their filecards instead mention the closest estimated equivalent. For example, the [[PraetorianGuard Crimson Guard]]'s filecard gives them a rank of E-4 (or equivalent), while [[BigBad Cobra Commander]]'s grade is simply given as Commander-In-Chief. A few COBRA aligned characters who are technically outside consultants like [[TheAce Firefly]], [[AcePilot Wild Weasel]] and even Destro don't have ranks.

** ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'': Both sides are explicitly described as being independent units separate from the main Autobot and Decepticon forces ([[GreatOffScreenWar who are mentioned as continuing their battles in deep space and so unable to assist on Earth]]). Metalhawk is initially leader of the Autobot forces on Earth and keeps in touch with Fortress to keep him updated. He later steps down and has Ginrai take over, and instead focuses on his role as MissionControl. Meanwhile, the Decepticons are initially led by Blood, who then reveals he gets his orders from Giga and Mega. As the series goes on, both sides receive aid and reinforcements from the main armies in the form of Brave Maximus (younger brother of Fortress Maximus) and Black Zarak (a rebuilt and upgraded version of Scorponok from the previous series). The death of Black Zarak at the end of the series is described in ancillary material as leaving the Decepticons in [[DecapitatedArmy disarray]] until [[DragonAscendent Overlord]] manages to rally a chunk of their forces.

** Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao's [[TheDragon trusted]] [[NumberTwo right hand man]], spent a chunk of his career as Intendant of Henan - a unique position that let him supervise the Imperial court and arrest or execute disruptive members who would normally be [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections untouchable]].

* A suspect of the week on ''{{Series/CSI NY}}'' had a background of trouble when he was in the army because he went against orders from the chain of command. Mac doesn’t like it and tells him that as a Marine, he knows the chain of command is sacrosanct.

* PlayedForLaughs on ''{{Series/Firefly}}'' when Jayne is trying to put himself in charge while Mal and Zoe are out.Fortunately Simon drugged him and he passes out moments later.

* ''VideoGame/{{Starcraft}}'': When Terran units are grouped together, the units are arranged in order of rank, with the highest ranks going first. While ranks are just a cosmetic rating, [[AuthorityGrantsAsskicking more powerful units are higher ranking and so will be listed first]]. For example, if gathering a mixed force, you'd have Goliaths (First Sergeant) followed by Siege tanks (Master Sergeant) followed by Vultures (Sergeant), then Firebats (Corporal) and finally the Marines (Private). On the other hand, heroes will always go first, no matter their rank e.g. Sarah Kerrigan (Lieutenant) will be listed ahead of units like Wraiths (Captain) or Battlecruisers (Commodore). This is ditched in ''VideoGame/StarcraftII'', where units that have more and frequently-used abilities are prioritized first, and ranks are determined by kills instead.

** On the Zeon side, as part of the "Zeon as Nazis" analogy InterserviceRivalry is encouraged by [[EvilChancellor Gihren]] [[BigBad Zabi]], meaning clashes between chains of command happen. One of the most notable examples is what does in [[CoolOldGuy Ramba]] [[OldSoldier Ral]]: he was sent to Earth under orders from his commander Dozle Zabi (commander of the Zeon Space Assault Force). However, he was reliant on supplies from Colonel M'Quve, who was under Kycilia Zabi's Armored Assault Force. Despite Dozle being a Lieutenant General and thus higher ranked than Kycilia (a Major General), M'Quve is not under his command and so Dozle has no right or ability to force him to assist. M'Quive spitefully claiming that a unit of powerful new Dom Mobile Suits was [[BlatantLies lost in transit]] is what forces Ramba Ral to launch a DeathOrGloryAttack commando raid on the ''White Base'' that ends with him and his troops dead.

** ''Anime/TransformersSuperGodMasterforce'': Both sides are explicitly described as being independent units separate from the main Autobot and Decepticon forces ([[GreatOffScreenWar who are mentioned as continuing their battles in deep space and so unable to assist on Earth]]). Metalhawk is initially leader of the Autobot forces on Earth and keeps in touch with Fortress to keep him updated. He later steps down and has Ginrai take over, and instead focuses on his role as MissionControl. Meanwhile, the Decepticons are initially led by Blood, who then reveals he gets his orders from Giga and Mega. As the series goes on, both sides receive aid and reinforcements from the main armies arrive in the form of Brave Maximus (younger brother of Fortress Maximus) and Black Zarak (a rebuilt and upgraded version of Scorponok from the previous series). The death of Black Zarak at the end of the series is described in ancillary material as leaving the Decepticons in [[DecapitatedArmy disarray]] until [[DragonAscendent Overlord]] manages to rally a chunk of their forces.