Leadership Authority and Responsibility

Overview Authority Responsibilities Sources Types Limits Enforcement Issuing Orders Case Studies Responsibilities Defined List Case Studies

Authority Sources Types Direct: President Ultimate: Constitution Legal: Spelled out in directives Moral: judgment/decision based on ethics/values Legal authority based on rank and position Moral based on the ability to make sound judgement or decision using ethics and values (what is right) when instructions/directives don’t direct action

Authority Limits Command Function Lawful orders Due Process of Law Private Lives American Citizens 1. Delegation -- Giving up parts of your authority to others.   2. The Command Function -- Authority to perform command function peculiar to the office of the commander. a. May not be delegated to officers not legally appointed as commanders. (ex., direct physical training) b. Normally only commanders may impose non-judicial punishment under the provisions of Article 15 of the UCMJ. Subordinate officers may recommend but may not impose non-judicial punishment.   3. Lawful Orders -- An officer does not have the authority to issue orders to commit unlawful acts. For example, the My Lai Massacre where an order was given to shoot unarmed women and children. 4. Due Process of Law -- You may not deprive subordinates of liberty or property as a punitive measure without due process of law. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: For OTS (and other training environments) restriction is not punitive; it is a part of training. 5. Private Lives of Subordinates -- An officer may not deny a military subordinate’s right to pursue private life as he/she chooses, unless military necessity requires otherwise. For example, a male Airman wears an earring while off-duty in civilian clothes, cannot be told not to wear it. 6. American Citizens -- Hold the reins of Congress, which decides how much authority you have.

Authority Enforcement Issuing Orders UCMJ Customs & Courtesies Good Order & Discipline Issuing Orders Within realm of authority Related to duty, morale, or discipline Clear & unequivocal Received & understood

Authority Case Studies

Responsibilities Mission Higher Headquarters Collateral Units Unit Welfare Individuals Yourself Act Decisively Community 1. Mission. This is your primary responsibility. Mission accomplishment is the only reason for the existence of the military instrument.   2. Higher Headquarters. You are always responsible to the next level up the chain. The higher echelon is presumed to be in a better position to visualize and interpret the overall mission. 3. Collateral Units. Collateral units are considered organizations outside your unit, which you have contact, with in support of the mission. 4. Unit Welfare. Your responsibility to your unit’s welfare will entail a variety of obligations. For example, you need to maintain adequate supplies and equipment for mission accomplishment. 5. Individuals. This is your responsibility to take care of your people. 6. Yourself. You have the responsibility to take care of yourself. You must strive for self-discipline, have the courage to carry out your convictions, keep yourself in good physical and mental condition, etc. 7. To Act Decisively. A leader must do his or her best to make timely, well thought out decisions. 8. Community. Last, you have a responsibility to maintain a proper image in the civilian community. You and your unit represent the Air Force to the civilian community. It’s your responsibility to adhere to community and Air Force standards of conduct and appearance.

Responsibilities Case Studies

Summary Authority Responsibilities Sources Types Limits Enforcement Issuing Orders Case Studies Responsibilities Defined List Case Studies