Who may issue a formal delegation of authority to the lowest level of competence?

The Commanding Officer (CO) possesses the authority to issue a formal delegation of authority to the lowest level of competence. This is rooted in the CO's overarching responsibility for the command, which includes ensuring that authority and decision-making power are appropriately delegated according to the skills and capabilities of the personnel within the command structure. By delegating authority, the CO can empower subordinates to perform tasks effectively while maintaining accountability at the highest levels.

In a naval context, the CO has the ultimate responsibility for operations, safety, and administration, and therefore is in the best position to assess who within the command possesses the necessary competence to hold delegated authority. This delegation can enhance operational efficiency, as it allows for quicker decision-making and responsiveness to situations that may arise.

Other roles, such as the Executive Officer (XO) or the Commander Master Chief, while they hold significant positions in the command structure, do not have the same level of authority as the CO to formally delegate this kind of authority. The Information Assurance Manager has a specific role focused on information security, which does not encompass the broad command authority to delegate across the full spectrum of operations and responsibilities within the command.