# Command Structure

The 174th Battle Group is governed by a council of three: the Admiral (Naval), the General (Marine), and the Marshal (Auxiliary). Each holds Rank 5 within their division and together form the highest decision-making authority in the group. No single individual outranks the others; authority at the top level is collective.

## Chain of Command

Within each division, authority flows downward by rank. Members follow the orders of the nearest ranking member above them in their own division. Rank 3 is the lowest rank at which a member holds formal leadership responsibility; members below Rank 3 are not expected to direct others.

Department heads hold authority within their domain regardless of divisional rank. A member must follow direction from their department head on matters within that department's scope. However, the council of Rank 5s may override any department head by vote.

## Operational Authority

During active operations, a ship's captain holds complete authority over everything that occurs aboard their vessel. This applies to all personnel on board regardless of division or department, including Marine and Auxiliary members embarked for a mission. Captains are expected to exercise this authority in accordance with group procedures; the scope of their authority is operational, not administrative.

## Decision-Making

Decisions are made at the lowest appropriate level:

- **Major decisions** — changes to group structure, policy, or direction — are made by a vote of the Rank 5 council. A majority is required to pass.
- **Routine decisions** within a division or department are made by the relevant division leader or department head without requiring a council vote.
- **Community votes** may be called for decisions that affect the group broadly. All members Rank 1 and above are eligible to participate.