The chain of command provides control and communication links necessary to accomplish the mission. A key principle of the chain of command is that it allows you to resolve problems and seek answers at the lowest level possible.
Each level of command is responsible for a lower level accountable to all higher levels of command. The chain of command requires loyalty at every level. With loyalty up and down the chain, it is a highly efficient and effective system for getting things done.
You can request assistance at each level before moving up to the next level in the chain. However, you should allow leadership time to resolve the problem or issue before moving up to the next level in your chain of command.
As a professional courtesy, you should inform the individuals in your chain of command if you make a decision to move up the chain of command. However, if someone in your chain of command is the problem, you may start with the next higher person in the chain of command.
Your chain of command starts with your immediate supervisor. Your supervisor is the first link in your chain of command and the person who will assist you in resolving the majority of your problems or issues. The next link in your chain of command is the person who supervises your supervisor.
The process of identifying the next link in the chain of command is by identifying the person who is superior in rank and supervises the individual to whom you addressed your concern. You should provide your chain of command the opportunity to address issues prior to taking them elsewhere.
If you recall your memory work, you can quickly identify all the members in your chain of command all the way to the President of the United States of America.