• A complex chain of command makes up the United States Navy.us navy granite image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  The U.S. Navy has a long and extensive history within the waters around the U.S. and the rest of the world. It was founded October 13, 1775, and it was established officially as the Department of the Navy in 1798. The Navy's long history has led to a very detailed and comprehensive chain of command that exists today.
  
  

Secretary of the Navy

• The Secretary of the Navy is the highest authority when it comes to Navy personnel. He oversees the construction, organization, and major equipment decisions for the Navy. He also helps to formulate and implement policies as directed by the President and the Secretary of Defense. The highest ranking marine corps commander reports to the Secretary of the Navy, along with many assistant secretaries. These positions include assistant secretaries in charge of research, financial management and manpower.
  
  

Chief of Naval Operations

• The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) is considered the senior-most military officer in the Navy. The position is held by a four-star admiral who is responsible for performing actions as dictated by the Secretary of the Navy and higher command. The Chief of Naval Operations is in charge of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and the Director of Navy Staff. The CNO is also directly in charge of the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and the Master Chief Petty Officer.
  
  

Soldiers

• Within the Marines, under the control of various admirals, are battalions, which are made up of companies or batteries. Each company is made up of three platoons, and each company has a headquarters with a commander. The platoons are further made up of three squads, which usually have specific specialties to the platoon that they're under. The smallest groups are individual teams, made up of three marines and a team leader.
  
  Within the more complicated Navy structure, under the Director of Navy Staff comes the Commander NTC, the Executive Officer RTC, the Military Training Officer, Military Training Assistant, Division Officer, Division Chief Petty Officer, Company Commander and the individual recruits.