Military Hierarchy: Who Corrects Violations?

When an enlisted person violates a regulation in the presence of both an officer and a petty officer, who is responsible for correcting the violator?

A. Master-at-arms

B. Officer

C. Petty officer

D. Chief petty officer

Answer:

In a situation where an enlisted person violates a rule, it's traditionally the responsibility of the officer to correct them. However, a petty officer could also intervene, especially if they are in an immediate supervisory role.

When an enlisted person violates a regulation in the presence of both an officer and a petty officer, the responsibility for correcting the violator could fall on either of them, depending on the situation and the nature of the violation.

Generally, in the traditional military hierarchy, it would be the officer who is expected to correct the enlisted person. The officer holds a higher rank and thus has the authority to enforce discipline. A petty officer might also intervene, especially if they are in a more immediate supervisory role over the enlisted person in question.

The position of the Master-at-arms is crucial in maintaining law enforcement on a ship or installation. If the violation constitutes a serious crime, it may be handled by the Master-at-arms, who is a naval police officer with the necessary authority.

The defined hierarchy in the military ensures discipline and smooth operation by clearly demarcating responsibility and authority among officers, petty officers, and the Master-at-arms.