Which sequence correctly lists the first five levels of the operational chain of command?

• A. Numbered Fleet → Task Force → Task Group → Task Unit → Task Element
• B. NCA → Combatant Commander → Component Commander → Numbered Fleet → Task Force
• C. Combatant Commander → NCA → Component Commander → Numbered Fleet → Task Force
• D. NCA → Combatant Commander → Component Commander → Numbered Fleet → Task Unit

Answer: (B)

The sequence reflects how operational command flows from the highest political authority down to theater-level task organizations. At the top is the National Command Authority, the ultimate authority over military actions. From there, command moves to the Combatant Commander who leads a Unified or Geographic Combatant Command and is responsible for all operations in that theater. Within that command, the service Component Commander directs forces from their service—for the Navy, the Navy Component Commander. Beneath the Component Commander, the Numbered Fleet organizes and directs naval forces in the theater and can establish a Task Force to handle a specific mission. The Task Force is the first level formed for a particular operation and can be further divided into Task Groups, Task Units, and Task Elements as needed.

This ordering correctly places the top authority first, followed by the CCDR, then the Component Commander, then the Numbered Fleet, and then the Task Force. An option that starts with a lower level misses the top authorities; one that places the National Command Authority after the Combatant Commander is out of order; and one that ends with Task Unit instead of Task Force skips the primary, mission-focused level that sits between the fleet and the smaller task elements.