What is the primary responsibility of the Commanding Officer (CO)?

The primary responsibility of the Commanding Officer (CO) is to be responsible for everyone in the command. This encompasses accountability for the health, welfare, morale, and discipline of all personnel within the command structure. The CO is tasked with creating an environment where service members can perform their duties effectively and safely while adhering to military regulations and standards.

Being responsible for everyone means that the CO must understand their team's capabilities and limitations, support their professional development, and ensure that their needs are adequately addressed. This overarching responsibility includes making decisions that impact personnel and the mission, thus ensuring the unit operates cohesively and efficiently.

While managing budgets and schedules, ensuring effective training programs, and directing operational missions are essential duties that the CO must also oversee, they all ultimately fall under the wider umbrella of the command's personnel management and overall well-being. Hence, the primary focus remains on being accountable for everyone involved in the command.