chain of command

American  

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

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Etymology

Origin of chain of command

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The procedure seems obvious now, but it established a chain of command that had previously varied from venue to venue.

From BBC

It combines three special investigations bureaus from each of the three military branches into one, removing them from any direct chain of command.

From BBC

“The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Firefighters said they adhered to the LAFD’s strict chain of command and did not question higher-ups, while those in charge had fuzzy memories or shifted responsibility to others.

From Los Angeles Times

The official’s assessment is that Iran’s chain of command is still functioning.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bureaucracy
• hierarchy
• network
• structure