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.