Army Command Policy
AR 600-20 is the command policy regulation: chain of command, military discipline and conduct, prohibited relationships, equal opportunity, harassment prevention and response, and the commander's authority over Soldiers. It is the single regulation most often cited at boards and in adverse actions. It is revised frequently -- verify the current edition before quoting a paragraph.
Open the official record- Type
- AR
- Edition verified
- April 2026
What to take from it
- Defines the chain of command and the NCO support channel and how they work together.
- Prohibits relationships between officers and enlisted Soldiers that compromise the chain of command.
- Establishes the military equal opportunity and harassment prevention and response programs.
- Covers extremist activity, hazing and bullying, and the commander's responsibility to act.
- Revised often; the 15 April 2026 edition superseded the 6 February 2025 version.
These points are our summary, written for recall. They are not a substitute for the publication and they will not cover everything a board can ask. Read the source.
Board questions from this publication
What is the chain of command?
The succession of commanders from a superior to a subordinate through which command is exercised. It is the leader's primary channel for issuing orders and passing information.
AR 600-20
What is the NCO support channel and how does it relate to the chain of command?
It is the leadership channel that parallels and reinforces the chain of command. It runs from the command sergeant major to the first sergeant to the platoon sergeant to the squad, section, or team leader. It is used to transmit and enforce standards, carry out the commander's orders, and supervise Soldiers' daily duties. It does not replace the chain of command and it is not a separate chain.
AR 600-20
What is the Army's equal opportunity policy?
Soldiers and their families are provided equal opportunity and fair treatment based on merit, fitness, and capability, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Unlawful discrimination and harassment are prohibited on and off post, on and off duty.
AR 600-20
What are the two types of equal opportunity complaints, and how is a formal one filed?
Informal and formal. An informal complaint is resolved directly, with the help of a peer, a leader, or an equal opportunity professional, and is not written up. A formal complaint is filed in writing on DA Form 7279 and sworn to, normally within 60 calendar days of the incident, and it triggers required actions and timelines.
AR 600-20; DA Form 7279
List the enlisted grades and ranks from private through sergeant major of the Army.
Private E-1, private E-2, private first class E-3, specialist and corporal E-4, sergeant E-5, staff sergeant E-6, sergeant first class E-7, master sergeant and first sergeant E-8, and sergeant major, command sergeant major, and sergeant major of the Army at E-9.
AR 600-20 and DA PAM 670-1
What is the difference between a specialist and a corporal, and which is the first noncommissioned officer grade?
Both are E-4. The specialist wears the eagle device and is not a noncommissioned officer. The corporal wears two chevrons, is a noncommissioned officer, and is the entry grade of the NCO corps with the authority and responsibility that come with it.
AR 600-20 and DA PAM 670-1