1. Leadership Authority and Responsibility

2. Overview Authority Responsibilities Sources Types
Limits in Applying Authority
Enforcement
Guidelines for Issuing Orders
Case Studies
Responsibilities
Defined List

3. Authority Sources of Authority Types of Authority
Direct Source: President
Ultimate Source: Constitution
Types of Authority
Legal Authority
Authority explicitly stated in directives
Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI)
Air Force Instructions (AFI)
Air Force Manuals (AFMAN)
Federal, State, & Military Laws
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

4. Authority US Code: Federal Law US Code: Title 5 US Code: Title 10
Outlines the role of government organization and employees
Applies to civilians
US Code: Title 10
Outlines the role of the armed forces: Provides the legal basis for the roles, missions and organization of each of the armed services
Applies to active duty, Air Force Reserves & federalized Air National Guard
US Code: Title 32
Outlines the role of the United States National Guard
Applies to Air National Guard in non-federalized statuses

5. Authority Types of Authority Legal Authority Moral Authority
Authority explicitly stated in directives
Department of Defense Instructions (DoDI)
Air Force Instructions (AFI)
Technical Orders (TO)
Air Force Manuals (AFMAN)
Federal, state, & military laws
Moral Authority
Authority based on ethics & values
Professional judgment & decision-making
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.

6. Authority Limits to Authority Command Function Lawful orders
Due Process of Law
Private Lives
American Citizens

7. 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

8. Authority Case Studies

9. 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.

10. Responsibilities Case Studies

11. Summary Authority Responsibilities Sources Types
Limits in Applying Authority
Enforcement
Guidelines for Issuing Orders
Case Studies
Responsibilities
Defined List