Article 0807 Legal Foundation

Why Article 0807 Controls

Article 0807 is the statutory authority for change of command procedures. It is not advisory. The obligations below are legal requirements that bind both the outgoing and incoming commanding officer.

Familiarity with these requirements is required before assuming command. The Master Turnover Checklist v4.0 places this section first because every other action flows from it.

A. Outgoing CO Obligations Under Para 1

Eight obligations apply to the outgoing CO. Each maps to a specific paragraph of Article 0807.

The "do not remove originals" rule is high-frequency failure. Outgoing COs habitually keep documents to support their next billet or future FITREP rebuttal. Article 0807.1.d permits authenticated copies only. Originals stay with the command.

B. Report of Transfer of Command Under Para 3

The Report of Transfer of Command is a joint obligation. Both the outgoing CO and incoming CO have specific actions on the same document.

Outgoing CO Action

Prepare a formal Report of Transfer of Command listing any unsatisfactory conditions affecting:

• Safety
• Well-being
• Readiness
• Fiscal integrity
• Command performance

For each unsatisfactory condition, propose a correction plan. The Report is not a confessional. It is an actionable document the incoming CO uses to build a 30-60-90 day plan.

Incoming CO Action

Endorse the Report of Transfer of Command. If you do not concur, specify wherein the report is inaccurate or incomplete in your endorsement. Silence is concurrence. Once endorsed without exception, you have accepted the conditions described.

Routing Rule

The routing rule depends on whether the Report identifies unsatisfactory conditions.

The direct-to-fleet copy is the part that gets missed. When unsatisfactory conditions exist, the chain of command is not the only addressee. A separate direct copy is statutorily required.

Common Failures on Article 0807

These create legal or evidentiary exposure on the turnover.

1. Skipping the joint inspection. Outgoing CO inspects alone, hands over a checklist. Article 0807.1.a requires physical inspection in company with the incoming CO. A paper handoff fails the requirement.
2. Originals leave the command. Outgoing CO takes a binder of correspondence to support future use. Authenticated copies are permitted. Originals are not.
3. Unsigned logs at turnover. Logs and fitness reports remain pending the outgoing CO's signature beyond the date of relief. Article 0807.1.h forbids this. Sign through date of relief or the records are deficient.
4. No Report of Transfer of Command. Unit treats the SOCL as the Report. They are different documents. The SOCL goes to the Reporting Senior under CMC White Letter 3-17. The Report of Transfer of Command is the Article 0807.3 joint document.
5. Adverse finding routed only via chain. Direct copy to fleet or force commander is omitted. Article 0807.3 requires both routings when conditions are unsatisfactory.

Decision Framework Before Signing

Before signing the joint certification block, the outgoing CO confirms:

• Joint inspection conducted and documented
• All originals delivered
• All keys delivered
• COMSEC inventory complete
• Logs and fitness reports signed through date of relief
• Report of Transfer of Command prepared with proposed correction plans for any unsatisfactory conditions

Before endorsing, the incoming CO confirms:

• Joint inspection received and observed
• Conditions described match what was observed
• Endorsement either concurs or specifies inaccuracy

If any item is unclear, do not sign. Refer to supporting SJA before proceeding.