Commander’s Action Line: chain of command Published May 21, 2009 By 72nd Air Base Wing TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Q: Will you instruct me on the correct protocol for civilian employees to use the chain of command? Is there a written directive for this? I know in a case of a work-related problem, at my level, I should talk with my direct supervisor and allow them to correct the problem. My concern is, if the problem is something that my supervisor does not have the authority to correct, is it correct protocol to bypass my supervisor and talk to the management authority that does have the authority to correct the problem? Wouldn't it be faster to go directly to the person that has authority to fix the problem, and would this be correct protocol? A: Air Force Instruction 36-703, Civilian Conduct and Responsibility, paragraph 5.4.4. states that employees should confer with their line management (starting with the immediate supervisor) to discuss matters/concerns, obtain information or solve problems that relate to the job. In addition, Article 6 of the Master Labor Agreement with American Federation of Government Employees represents the sole and exclusive procedure for the resolution of grievances by AFGE Bargaining Unit members for matters regarding working conditions, or any matter involving the interpretation and application of applicable law, policies, regulations, and practices of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, and subordinate AFMC activities. If the first level supervisor determines that the matter is not within their authority to resolve, the supervisor will refer the matter to the appropriate authority.