- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 210
This is a question I've been thinking about, and even with PLQ I don't feel I can provide a sound doctrine-based answer.
In combat situations (e.g. a section attack) we know what the 2IC does: keep the section in line, take over for the IC when needed, control Assault Group 2, ammo cas during the consolidation, etc.
But what about non-combat situations, especially for the vast majority of the Forces not working within the combat arms? What does a 2IC do? What does an Orderly Room 2IC do? Or a Med Tech 2IC? Or a Veh Tech 2IC? Following the combat arms-style 2IC, are they the "mother" of those they supervise: tracking appointments, making sure everyone's fitness is up to date, etc? Are they more of an advisor to the next rank up?
Are there different 2IC responsibilities in the normal work setting as opposed to the combat arms field setting?
I can't find any doctrine that says "2IC does this, Section Commander does this, etc." Instead, it seems that most positions/appointments are defined by that position's predecessor(s). So if the old 2IC tracked leave, then the new 2IC should track leave too. Alternatively, each unit can define their expectations of their 2ICs, but this leads to varying standards between units.
It strikes me that there should be some formal Terms of Reference for each position and trade, beyond their combat role.
Thoughts?
In combat situations (e.g. a section attack) we know what the 2IC does: keep the section in line, take over for the IC when needed, control Assault Group 2, ammo cas during the consolidation, etc.
But what about non-combat situations, especially for the vast majority of the Forces not working within the combat arms? What does a 2IC do? What does an Orderly Room 2IC do? Or a Med Tech 2IC? Or a Veh Tech 2IC? Following the combat arms-style 2IC, are they the "mother" of those they supervise: tracking appointments, making sure everyone's fitness is up to date, etc? Are they more of an advisor to the next rank up?
Are there different 2IC responsibilities in the normal work setting as opposed to the combat arms field setting?
I can't find any doctrine that says "2IC does this, Section Commander does this, etc." Instead, it seems that most positions/appointments are defined by that position's predecessor(s). So if the old 2IC tracked leave, then the new 2IC should track leave too. Alternatively, each unit can define their expectations of their 2ICs, but this leads to varying standards between units.
It strikes me that there should be some formal Terms of Reference for each position and trade, beyond their combat role.
Thoughts?