There is a well-defined and rigid hierarchical structure within the army. This is often called the chain of command. The best way to visualize this is to imagine a chain: you can only go up or down using the next link. You should always exercise professional courtesy by notifying the next link in the chain unless it is absolutely necessary due to ongoing harassment or you believe your career is in danger. This chain of command won't work if you can't count on every person in the structure to be fully responsible for everything. When an order is given or a task is entrusted, the person transmitting it does not wonder whether or not he will be able to carry it out; it's just assumed. When a person fails to do so and a negative consequence occurs, it can potentially be reported and negative action taken. Again, this only applies in cases where a legal order is given. If the offense is serious enough, a person may be separated under different paragraphs, depending on the extent of the damage caused. In cases of retaliation, the transgressor may face charges including, but not limited to, Section 93, cruelty and ill-treatment of a subordinate, Section 92, failure to obey a lawful order, or 'article 117, provoking speeches or