The Chief Master-at-Arms reports directly to which individual?

The Chief Master-at-Arms, responsible for maintaining discipline, security, and enforcing regulations within a command, reports directly to the Executive Officer. The Executive Officer (XO) serves as the second-in-command and oversees the day-to-day operations of the unit, including the management of personnel and maintaining order, which are key roles of the Chief Master-at-Arms. This hierarchical structure ensures that the Chief Master-at-Arms has a direct line of communication with the XO to address issues related to security and discipline effectively.

While the Commanding Officer has overall authority and ultimate responsibility for the command, the XO acts as a critical link in managing operations and support functions directly under the CO's leadership. The Master Chief typically serves in a senior enlisted advisory role and may not be directly involved in operational command structures in the same way as the XO. The Chief of Staff, depending on the organizational structure, may have different priorities and responsibilities, usually not directly tied to security and discipline, making the Executive Officer the appropriate point of reporting for the Chief Master-at-Arms.