What is the primary responsibility of a Commanding Officer (CO)?

The primary responsibility of a Commanding Officer (CO) hinges upon the effective management of all message traffic within their command. This encompasses overseeing the sending and receiving of communications, ensuring that messages are appropriately prioritized, and facilitating the overall flow of information both internally and externally. The CO must ensure that communications are efficient, timely, and secure, supporting the operational objectives of their unit.

In addition to message traffic management, the CO plays a vital role in setting the tone for the communication strategy and culture, which greatly impacts the effectiveness of message delivery and response. They often must make decisions regarding the dissemination of critical information based on operational needs, thereby directly influencing the success of mission objectives. This holistic oversight makes managing message traffic the primary responsibility of the CO, situating them at the center of command communications.