Authority type that cannot be delegated?

• A. Direct
• B. ALERTORD
• C. B 11
• D. Combatant

Answer: (D)

The thing being tested is that some forms of authority are personal and cannot be handed off to someone else. In military command, combatant authority is the prerogative to direct and decide on combat operations. That responsibility rests with the commander and cannot be delegated in the sense of transferring ultimate decision-making about engaging in combat to a subordinate. Subordinates can be given specific tasks or delegated certain control within defined limits, but the final authority to commit to combat remains with the person who holds combatant authority. That’s why this option is the best choice. The other terms describe types of authority or concepts that can be delegated or are not standard non-delegable authorities in the same sense.