TACON may be delegated to commanders at which level?

• A. Only to subordinate units
• B. Not at all
• C. Any level at or below the level of combatant command
• D. Only at the level of combatant command

Answer: (C)

TACON, or tactical control, is the authority to direct the execution of specific tasks within the operations of a higher command. It can be delegated to commanders at any level down to the units actually executing the mission. This downward delegation lets the right echelon have the necessary authority to maneuver, employ fires, or coordinate actions in a timely way without waiting for approval from above. It cannot be delegated above the level of the combatant command, which is why giving TACON only at the combatant command level isn’t appropriate. Nor is it limited to just subordinate units, and it isn’t something that isn’t allowed at all—the point is to empower the appropriate echelon to accomplish the mission.