The authority of command that one individual exercises over others is acquired through what?

The authority of command that one individual exercises over others is primarily acquired through grade and assignment. In the military, a person's rank or grade is a formal recognition of their position and the associated responsibilities. This established hierarchy is crucial for maintaining order and discipline within the unit. When someone holds a higher rank, it designates that they have been entrusted with the authority to lead and make decisions that affect those in lower ranks. The specific assignment further defines the scope of that authority, as different roles come with different expectations and responsibilities.

While experience and training, length of service, and personality traits such as charisma can influence a leader's effectiveness and the respect they command, they do not confer official authority in the same way that grade and assignment do. In the military structure, authority is tied to the established ranks and the orders assigned, ensuring that the chain of command is respected and followed.