Moving up in Army JROTC (Rank and Structure)

Unit 1, Chapter 1, lesson 3Pages 11-27

Key Terms• Battalion – a military unit made up of two or more companies or batteries and the

commander is a Lieutenant Colonel• Company – a subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the

lowest administrative unit and the commander is usually a Captain• Enlisted – relating to or constituting the part if the military force bellow officers• Platoons – a subdivision of a company sized military unit and the commander is

normally a first Lieutenant• Specialist – a person who devoted himself to a particular occupation or field of

study• Squads – the smallest unit in the Army organization composed of a varying

number of personnel• Subordinates – a person of lower rank or grade• Succession - the order of person next in line for an office or rank held by another• Teams – a group of persons approximately one-half of a quad and normally lead by

a junior noncommissioned officer

Introduction

• Army JROTC has a well-defined structure of organization,.

• each person in the unit has an individual job that is part of a larger task, which is part of a much larger mission.

• This unit will teach you about how the Army and JROTC enlisted ranks and officer ranks work.

• Also you will learn about the organization of a Battalion.

Pyramid of Authority• There is a pyramid of authority within most organizations.

For JROTC and the military, this pyramid of authority includes individual and group responsibilities as. The chain of command is succession of leaders through which authority and commands pass from leaders to subordinates.

Unity of Command

Span of Control

Chain of Command

Chain of Command

• An effective chain of command can guarantee that all members are on the same team, working hard to accomplish their individual tasks and those in the unit.

• A chain of command depends on team members having various duties.

Span of Control

• Span of control is the number of immediate subordinates one commander or leader can effectively control, supervise, or direct. Maximum and minimum limits of control vary with the conditions under which the unit operates and the complexity if the functions preformed.

Unity of Command

• In every effective military unit, there must be only one commander who is responsible for all that the unit does or all that it fails to be. This commander must have the necessary authority to carry out the responsibilities of the unit.

Rank and Grade

Rank and Grade (Company)

• Each Company consist of a headquarters section and at least two Platoons. The company headquarters contains the fallowing key personnel:– Company Commander– Company Executive Officer– Company First Sergeant– Guidon Bearer

Rank and Grade (Platoon)

• Each platoon is composed of a headquarters section an at least 2 or 3 Squads with two teams per squads. The key members of a platoon personnel are as fallows:– Platoon Leader– Platoon Sergeant– Two or three Squad Leaders– Two or three assistant squad leaders (if the number of

enrolled cadets permits)– Four to six team leaders

Note on Rank and Grade

• Personnel designated as specialist are comparable to the non-commissioned officer rank or corporal, and are commonly referred to as technicians. They are not placed in command of other enlisted personnel.

Army Enlisted Ranks

No insignia Private E-1

Private E-2

Private First Class E-3

Corporal E-4

Specialist E-4

Sergeant E-5

Staff Sergeant E-6

Sergeant First Class E-7

Master Sergeant E-8

1st Sergeant E-8

Sergeant Major E-9

Command Sergeant Major E-9

Sergeant Major of the Army

Army JROTC Enlisted Ranks

Cadet Private First Class

Cadet Corporal

Cadet Sergeant

Cadet Staff Sergeant

Cadet Sergeant 1st Class

Cadet Master Sergeant

Cadet 1st Sergeant

Cadet Sergeant Major

Cadet Command Sergeant Major

Army Officer Ranks

Second Lieutenant

First Lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Army JROTC Officer Ranks

Cadet Second Lieutenant

Cadet First Lieutenant

Cadet Captain

Cadet Major

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel

Battalion OrganizationBattalion commander

Battalion XO CSM

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

Company Commander

Platoon Leader

Platoon Leader

Squad Leader

Squad Leader

Company Commander

Platoon Leader

Platoon Leader

Squad Leader

Squad Leader

Company Commander

Platoon Leader

Platoon Leader

Squad Leader

Squad Leader

Battalion Commander• Rank: Lieutenant Colonel• Responsibilities:a) Command battalion at all formationsb) Prepare for and conduct the training for the Battalion on drill daysc) Maintain a direct and personal relationship with staff and company commandersd) Encourage company commanders to communicate freelye) Use the staff to assist in the gathering of information and preparing plans for conducting training and controlling the Battalionf) Designate staff officers to assist in the preparation, execution, and supervision of ordersg) Ensure that feelings of mutual respect and confidence exist between the staff officers and the company commandersh) Ensure that the staff members are capable and that they understand their responsibilities to the Battalion commander, Battalion XO, and corps of

cadetsi) Ensure that orders and actions are in compliance to the Army JROTC regulations, policies, and directives and with the local schools regulations and

policiesj) Execute all responsibilities in the name of the Senior Army Instructor; seek advice and assistants from the instructor staff and carry out all of their

directives quickly and completelyk) Arrange the required meetings an assembly's the required company or staff personnel to determine any actions that may be necessary in the fulfilling

the obligations of the cadet battalionl) Be prepared to evaluate any member of the battalion, but specifically the battalion headquarters personal and the company commanders m) Make operational decisions for the cadet battalionn) President over the cadetso) Work with school authorities in coordinating activities of the cadet battalion with the organizations of cadet battalion with the organization of the

school, ensuring that the battalion activates are in accordance with school policyp) In ordinance with the Senior Army instructor, assignment missions to all extracurricular team captains such as Drill, Rifle, Color Guard, and so onq) Be responsible for all the battalion does or fails to do

Company Commander

• Rank: Captain• Responsibilities: a) Command the company at all formationsb) Ensure that all members of the company know and use the chain of commandc) Consult the training schedule, study the drill reference, and ensure that you and your subordinates are

prepared to instruct d) Check with the instructor staff daily prior to formation to obtain any changes or other information they want to

announcee) Seek advice from the battalion commander or the instructor staff when encountering a problem to which you

do not know the answerf) Execute the orders of the battalion commander as if they were your orders, even though you may personally

disagree with them g) Conduct short inspections at every formation, making on-the-spot corrections as necessary; fallow-up to ensure

that the deficiencies from earlier inspections are correctedh) Make each cadet an affective member of the team; take an interest in them and their problems; offer advice to

help them with there problemsi) Make on-the-spot corrections at any time to ensure that all members of the company understand and comply

with cadet regulationsj) Keep your company XO informed incase of absence

Platoon Leader• Rank: Lieutenant• Responsibilities:a) Keep your company commander apprised of the status of your platoon at all timesb) Organize and maintain an affective chain of command. Learn the name of everyone in your platoon and

use names when addressing themc) Conduct an inspection of the platoon at formationsd) Use the chain of command to accomplish tasks; works mainly with the platoon sergeant to the squad

leaderse) Know all of the cadet regulations and ensure that members of the platoon also know and fallow themf) Enforce orders from superior officers whether you agree with them or not; however if you think the

order is wrong, discus it with the chain of command or the instructor, as necessary. Develop a spirit of teamwork so as to instill respect, obedience, and cooperation in the unit

g) Know all of the phases of drill; be able to supervise/ conduct platoon drill and, if you are the senior officer present in a formation be able to conduct company drill

h) Set high standards of personal appearance and conduct yourself. Remember, the platoon leader sets the example for the platoon to fallow

i) Make an effort to resolve all leadership, training, and disciplinary problems at your level; if you cannot solve a problem, seek the advice and assistance of the company commander, company XO, or First Sergeant

Squad Leaders

Rank: Staff SargentResponsibility: a) Set an example at all timesb) Know the number, names, and personal information on all assigned cadetsc) Counsel/assist squad members with JROTC matters or help them find solutions to other issues

when possible; refer to the platoon sergeant/ leader if you where unable to handle or resolve an issue

d) Form the squad correctly. Make an accurate report by name of those persons present and absent during common hour activates, company platoon/formations, and other cadet battalion activates.

e) be thoroughly familiar with individual, squad, platoon drill. When conducting drill, instruct/demonstrate the movements, allow time for individual performance; then supervise the team leaders ands squad members to ensure they preform properly. Conduct inspection to ensure personnel and prepare for training

f) Develop responsibility and leadership in team leaders and be the first person for them to turn to for advice

Team Leader

Rank: CorporalResponsibilities:a) Set an example at all timesb) Know the number, names, and personal information of all assigned personnelc) Assist team members with JROTC matters when possible; refer to the squad

leader for assessment if u are unable to handle or resolve the problemd) Be thoroughly familiar with the individual and the squad drill; inspect team

members during formations, ensuring they know what is required of them

Battalion XO

• Rank: Major• Responsibilities:a) Organize the Cadet Battalion Staff properly and ensure that it works as a team.b) Inspect the work of the Cadet Battalion Staff and make other inspections as directed

by the Cadet Battalion Commander.c) Ensure that the Battalion Staff Officers prepare and submit reports on time and that

they are engaged in future planning.d) Act as a commander of the troops during ceremonies.e) Ensure that instructions and orders issued to the cadet battalion are in accordance

with he established policies of the Cadet Battalion Commander; report all volitions of the orders to the Cadet Battalion Commander.

f) Preform other Duties as assigned by the Cadet Battalion Commander or the Instructor Staff.

g) Take responsibility of the battalion in the battalion commanders absence

S-1 Battalion Adjutant Officer

• Rank: Lieutenant• Responsibilities:a) Assist in aligning the battalion at all battalion formations.b) Receive the report at battalion formations from the company commanders and receive the names of absentees

from the sergeant majorc) Plan for the conduct of special ceremonies in coordination with the operations and the training officerd) Prepare and publish and orders necessary for the operations of the battalion commandere) Maintain the qualification records and the personal files on all cadetsf) Publish and execute the cadet battalion’s recruiting plang) Collect, consolidate, post, and maintain all merit and demerit reports and recordsh) Coordinate with the company commanders and the battalion staff on Recommendations to the instructor staff on

reassignments and organizations; assign cadets to various companies and maintain a record of those assignmentsi) Prepare periodic strength reports under supervision of the instructor staff and keep the manning board posted

and up to datej) Report incidents that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, and submit reports to the instructor staff, the

cadet battalion commander, and the cadet battalion XOk) In coordinate with the battalion S-2, make recommendations to improve moral and welfare of the cadet battalionl) Preform other duties as assigned by the battalion commander, battalion XO, or the staff instructor

S-2 Battalion Intelligence and Security Officer

• Rank: Lieutenant• Responsibilities:a) Assist in making periodic inspections of the security of weapons (if available In unit)b) Make periodic inspections of the security of the supply room and the equipment

storage areasc) Make necessary on-the-spot corrections resulting from security inspections and keep

the Battalion Commander and instructor staff informedd) In Coordination with the S-1 , report incidents that are prejudicial to good order and

discipline, and submit reports to the instructor staff, the Cadet Battalion Commander, and the Battalion XO

e) Preform other duties as assigned by the Battalion Commander, Battalion XO, or the instructor Staff. For example, in some JROTC units, the S-2 may be responsible for the information center and the duties of a public affairs officer if one is not assigned or for the duties of and ordnance officer if one is not assigned

S-3 Battalion Operations And Training Officer

• Rank: Major• Responsibilities:a) Prepare the weekly training schedulesb) Select and designate cadet instructor in coordination with the instructor staff; post the weekly training

schedules no later then one week in advance of the training on the bulletin boardsc) Assign areas for the outdoor training and ensure classrooms are available and prepare for instructorsd) Inspect the drill field prior to use by the battalion and prepare it for ceremoniese) Coordinate the trading of the rifle teams, drill team, color guard: also coordinate training for guidon

bearers and manual of the saber for cadet officersf) Organize events such as reviews, parades, and extracurricular activitiesg) Plan and supervise field eventsh) Inspect cadet training for compliancei) Maintain the unit reference libraryj) Maintain the training portions of cadet recordsk) Assume command of the battalion in the absence of both the battalion XO and the Battalion commanderl) Supervise the activates of the battalion communication officerm) Preform other duties assigned by the battalion commander, battalion XO, or the instruction staff

S-4 Battalion Logistics and supply Officer

• Rank: Lieutenant• Responsibilities:a) Create a JROTC clothing and equipment list for each cadet. Maintain all cadet suppliesb) Maintain accountability of all equipment and supplies for the unitc) Conduct periodic inventories of the on-hand supplies and equipment; submit weekly reports to the

instructor staff on the availability of supplies and on the condition of equipmentd) Ensure that adequate cleaning materials are available for use during assigned maintenance activitiese) In coordination with the battalion sergeant major, make periodical inspections of the national, state,

and organizational Colors for serviceabilityf) Maintain security of all items of clothing and equipment in the supply room and the training aids

storage areag) Maintain the supply room in a neat and orderly fashion at all timesh) Maintain a running inventory of all supplies/property; determine supply requirements; and prepare

requisitions for the equipment and supplies required for the cadet battalioni) Issue clothing, insignia, and other supply items as directed by the battalion commander, Battalion XO,

or the instructor staffj) Collect and dispose of excess salvage equipment and clothingk) Supervise the activates of the battalion ordinance officer (if assigned)l) Preform other duties as assigned by the battalion commander, battalion XO, or the instructor staff

S-5 Battalion Special Projects Officer

• Rank: Lieutenant• Responsibilities:a) Plan and coordinate special projects by the cadet Battalion Commander, Cadet

Battalion XO, or the instructor staff.b) Maintaining records on all activates and coordinate as they pertain to each

project.c) Keep the Cadet Battalion Commander, Cadet Battalion XO, and the instructor

staff informed as to the progress of, or any problems encountered with, the projects.

Command Sergeant Major

• Rank: Command Sargent Major• Responsibilities:a) Assist subordinate NCO’s, the battalion XO, and the adjutant with administrative duties/detailsb) Advise and assist the Battalion commander, in all maters pertaining to the enlisted members of the

cadet Battalionc) Assist the adjutant in the formation and alignment of the battalion at all the battalion formationsd) Receive list of absentees from the companies and submit them to the adjutante) Supervise the color guard and all flag details. Ensure that companies first sergeants submit there

weekly flag details on time, post those rosters, and ensure that members selected for detail receive there notification slips prior to the assignment

f) Ensure the flag details are properly trainedg) Ensure that the battalion area, including the drill field, is maintained in a high state of police at all

times and that the JROTC officers and classrooms are kept neat and orderlyh) Preside over all noncommissioned officer promotion boardsi) Assume command of the battalion in the absence of all officersj) Preform other duties as assigned by the Battalion commander, Battalion XO, or the instructor staff

Company 1st Sergeant

• Rank: 1st sergeant• Responsibilities: The company first sergeant is

responsible to the company commander for administrative matters and the company XO (if Assigned).

• Submits absentee reports to the battalion sergeant Major, checks the merits and demerits with the company commander before submitting them to the S1,

• Assumes command of the company in absence of all officers.

Platoon Sergeant

• Rank: Staff Sergeant• Responsibility:a) Platoon sergeant set the example at all timesb) Assist in the supervision of the squad leadersc) Develop a spirit of teamwork in the platoond) Submit absentee reports to the company first sergeante) Assist the platoon leader in training the platoonf) Counsel personnel at a squad leaders requestg) Assume control of the platoon in the absence of all

officers

Conclusion

• The cadet battalion structure is set up to ensure a quick and clear flow of commands.

• Each cadet should know what they are responsible for.

• How far you climb in rank is up to you, your battalion has opportunities for you but you must try.

• Moving up in JROTC takes three things – desire, time, and work

Lesson Review

1. Define the words Rank and grade.2. List the 5 key platoon personnel positions.3. What are the primary duties of a color guard

commander?4. What is the chain of command?