Chain of Leadership and Management, and Parallel Staffing

There are two chains of communication in the Auxiliary, namely the “chain of leadership and management” (for elected officers) and the Parallel Staffing chain of communication (for staff/appointed officers).

Per the Auxiliary Manual, COMDINST M16790.1 (series), Sec. C.2. Parallel Staffing
Parallel staffing is a communications process for appointed staff officers and is similar to the Auxiliary chain of leadership and management. For day-to-day operations, staff officers must communicate with their counterpart staff members at the next higher or lower organizational level to assure support is provided. For example, the District Staff Officer – Public Education (DSO-PE) is expected to pass information concerning public education matters to all Division Staff Officers – Public Education (SO-PE) in the district. When there are questions, or a need for additional information, a Flotilla Staff Officer – Public Education (FSO-PE) must communicate with the SO-PE.