D/ACD - Foxhole Chain of Command & Decision-Making Doctrine
| This is the Document Release Information | |
| Article Number: | 7Cav-DACD-007 |
| Scope: | D/ACD - Foxhole Chain of Command & Decision-Making Doctrine |
| Version: | Version 1.0 |
| Effective Date: | 28MAY2026 |
| Last Modified Date: | 28MAY2026 |
| Approving Authority: | Auxiliary Combat Detachment Commander |
| Point of Contact: | Auxiliary Combat Detachment HQ |
Purpose
This document bridges the gap between the existing 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment’s Chain of Command structure, how that translates to in-game decisions, and who gets to make those decisions. The intent is to enable disciplined execution while empowering troopers to act independently, decisively, and in alignment with the commander's intent—without requiring constant direct oversight.
Command Philosophy
Above the Waterline vs Below the Waterline Decisions
Below the Waterline Decisions
Decisions that can significantly impact the regiment, region, or war effort. These require approval from the designated command authority.
Examples include:
- Commitment or relocation of strategic assets
- Use of rare or expensive materials
- Factory focus changes
- Opening or abandoning fronts
- Major logistics rerouting
- Strategic Strongpoint (main base of operations)
Above the Waterline Decisions
Tactical or operational decisions that affect only local outcomes and are reversible or low-risk.
Examples include:
- Squad-level maneuvering
- Tactical withdrawals or advances
- Ad-hoc logistics runs
- Emergency repairs and resupply
Troopers and junior leaders are expected & encouraged to make above-the-waterline decisions without seeking approval.
Commander's Intent First
All actions should be guided by the commander's intent, not micromanagement. Leaders at every level will articulate:
- Objective
- Priority of Effort
- Acceptable Risk
Once intent is issued, subordinate leaders and troopers are expected to act independently to achieve the objective.
Chain of Command Structure
Regimental Command (Strategic Level)
Regimental Commander
- Sets overall strategy and priorities
- Issues commander’s intent on a weekly basis
- Final authority on all below-the-waterline decisions
- Liaison with allied regiments and region-wide command
Executive Officer (XO)
- Oversees execution of RC intent
- Coordinates between departments (combat, logistics, industry)
- Acts as RC in their absence
- Resolves conflicts between subordinate elements
Staff & Department Leadership (Operational Level)
Operations Officer (S3)
- Plans and coordinates combat operations
- Assigns fronts, objectives, and operational timelines
- Oversees Platoon Leaders and Combat Elements
Logistics Officer
- Controls logistics routes, stockpiles, and transport assets
- Authorizes movement of expensive materials
- Coordinates with factory and resource leadership
Industry / Production Officer
- Oversees factories, refineries, and maintenance
- Sets production priorities
- Controls use of rare materials (refined materials, heavy weapons, vehicles)
- Ensures infrastructure sustainability
Intelligence / Recon Lead (Optional)
- Collects battlefield information
- Tracks enemy movements and weak points
- Provides actionable intel to Ops and Command
Engineer Lead
- Makes critical decisions on building meta
- Makes critical decisions on building locations
- Ensures proper maintenance of chosen builds
Tactical Leadership (Above the Waterline Authority)
Platoon Leaders
- Execute assigned objectives
- Control platoon-level assets
- Adjust tactics based on battlefield conditions
- May make above-the-waterline decisions freely
Squad Leaders
- Lead individual squads
- Handle immediate tactical decisions
- Maintain discipline and cohesion
- Establish & Maintain Espirit De Corps
- Request support when needed, not permission to act
- May make above-the-waterline decisions freely
Troopers
Troopers are expected to:
- Understand commander’s intent
- Act decisively within that intent
- Solve problems locally before escalating
- Preserve strategic assets unless explicitly authorized
- Communicate outcomes, not ask permission for every action
Strategic Asset Control
- The following are considered strategic assets and fall under below-the-waterline authority unless delegated:
- Battle tanks, armored trains, artillery pieces
- Stockpiles of refined materials, rare metals, and heavy munitions
- Facility modules and high-tier factories
- Long-range logistics vehicles
- Pre-staged Operation Stockpiles
- Large Ships
- Some Aircraft (TBD)
Authorization to use these assets may be delegated to trusted leaders for specific missions.
MOS Responsibilities
Engineering
- Creation of strategic location defenses
- Maintains defenses & friendly structures
- Accounts for defensive & offensive builds
- Stays up-to-date on current “build metas”
- Coordinate with other MOS’s as needed
Facility & Logistics
- Ensure continuous operation
- Prevent overproduction or waste
- Conduct repairs and fuel management
- Coordinate shutdowns or relocations when tactically sound
- Sustain combat forces without interruption
- Maintain supply lines and redundancy
- Prioritize frontline needs over stockpiling
- Track losses and consumption trends
- Coordinate with other MOS’s as needed
Vehicular Combat
- Vehicle Gameplay Focused
- Not just tanks, focus on all vehicles
- Self-sustaining
- Tracks refined material trades (what was destroyed vs what was lost)
- Coordinate with other MOS’s as needed
Infantry
- Frontline Presence!
- Backbone of the 7th Cav
- Focused on critical areas of operation
- Coordinate with other MOS’s as needed
Empowerment & Accountability
Empowerment comes with responsibility.
- Acting within intent is encouraged
- Mistakes made in good faith will be corrected, not punished
- Mistakes are an opportunity for learning & growth, not a stage to make ‘examples’
- Reckless use of strategic assets without authorization may result in removal of privileges
- Leaders are accountable for outcomes, not just compliance
- See the Mistakes bullet for clarification on how accountability will be handled for decisions resulting in ‘less-than-desired’ outcomes
Communication Standards
- Intent over instructions
- Reports over requests
- Use clear, concise comms
- Escalate only when decisions exceed your authority or risk level
- If troopers wish to raise an issue with decisions or circumstances out of their direct control, the Chain of Command should be utilized as is normal within the 7th Cavalry Gaming Regiment
Closing Statement
This structure exists to ensure speed, discipline, and adaptability in a player-driven war. Victory in Foxhole depends not on perfect orders, but on empowered troopers executing shared intent under chaotic conditions.