Military Authority and Orders

Professional Military EducationInitial Entry Training

References

• Code of Virginia, Title 44: Military Laws of Virginia

• FM 7-22-7, Army Non-commissioned Officer Guide, Chapter 2

• FM 22-6 Guard Duty

Military Authority & Orders

Type of Military Authority - Command Authority    - General Military Authority

Sources of Authority - VDF Regulations    - Military Laws of Virginia - Chain of Command, NCO Channel

Military Authority & Orders

General Orders 1. Guard    2. Obey    3. Report

Special Orders - Purpose    - Warning Orders - Operation Orders (OPORDs) - Fragmentary Orders (FRAGORDs)

Type of Military Authority

Command Authority

When you hold a position requiring you to direct or control others you have command authority.

This is part of the job of officers.

This applies only to the soldiers, facilities, and equipment that make up the unit you are in charge of.

You do not have command authority over another unit’s personnel.

Type of Military Authority

General Military Authority

All members of the VDF have the authority to act in the absence of a unit leader or other designated authority.

For example, if you see VDF personnel violating the law, regulations, or general orders, you have both the general military authority and the legal obligation to correct the situation.

This applies even if none of the personnel are assigned to your unit.

Sources of Military Authority

Sources of Authority

1. VDF regulations, policies, and command guidance.

2. Military Laws of Virginia (Title 44 Code of Virginia) and the current edition of the Manual for Courts-Martial.

3. Chain of Command and the NCO support channel.

General Orders

1. GUARD: I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.

2. OBEY: I will obey my special orders and perform all my duties in a military manner.

3. REPORT: I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions, to commander of the relief.

General Orders

I will GUARD everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.

Your responsibility is within the limits of your post. Do not abandon your post to check outside your assigned area.

Do not leave your post until you are properly relieved.

Do not stand down if the person telling you to does not have the proper authority. Rank alone may not be sufficient authority.

General Orders

I will OBEY my Special Orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.

Stay alert, remain observant, maintain good posture and military bearing.

Maintain the Watch Log or Day Book, note the time and what happened.

Most things will not require more than a log entry; others will require that you call it in, call for assistance or clarification or even to sound the alarm

General Orders

I will REPORT violations of my Special Orders, emergencies and anything not covered in my instructions to the Commander of the Relief.

Report all violations of his special orders to the commander of the relief.

Report all emergencies that occur and take whatever action is prescribed by his special orders.

If you are in doubt as to what action to take, call the commander of the relief for instructions.

Special Orders

Purpose

Special orders supplement General Orders.

Special orders are realistic, detailed, and mission oriented. Special orders are carefully and specifically tailored for the specific assignment and situation.

Special Orders

Purpose

Special orders are required for all activities outside of normal drill at your assigned drill location.

Special orders are for accountability and for insurance should you sustain an injury.

If you do not have orders, you do not go.

Special Orders

PurposeIn addition, the VDF will publish personnel action orders:

• initial appointment or enlistment;

• transfers;

• reassignment;

• promotion;

• commendation and awards;

• discharge; and

• separation.

Special Orders

Warning OrdersWarning Orders are used to alert soldiers of upcoming missions:

WHO is involved in the mission?

WHAT is the nature of the mission?

WHY are we performing the mission?

WHEN is the earliest starting time expected for the mission?

WHERE is location of the area of operations?

Special Orders

Operation Orders (OPORDs)The OPORD provides information required to conduct the operation and to carry out the commander's intent.

1. Situation (weather, capabilities, course of action, etc.)

2. Mission (who, what, when, why & where)

3. Execution (concept, commanders intent)

4. Service support (supply, transportation, personnel)

5. Command & Signal (CoC, location of command, frequencies, calls, codes)

Special Orders

Fragmentary Orders (FRAGORDs)Brief oral or written order that serves to update or clarify a previous order:

• Implement changes to existing orders.

• Provide pertinent extracts.

• Provide instructions until a detailed order.

• Provide specific instructions to subordinates who do not require a complete order.

• Scheme of maneuver.

• Specific instructions as necessary.

Questions?

Professional Military EducationInitial Entry Training