Rules and Regulations

Section 1: Statutory Authority for Virtual Navy Regulations

1.1        Establishment of the Virtual Navy.

We, the commanding staff of this virtual military service, in order to form a virtual military community, sharing common interests, to attain knowledge, pride, integrity, and honor, do ordain and establish the Virtual Navy.

The mission of the Virtual Navy is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready Virtual Naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the virtual seas.

1.2       Statutory Authority of the Virtual Navy.

The   Virtual Navy Regulations shall be issued by the Owners Board of the Virtual Navy.

1.3        Maintenance of the Virtual Navy Regulations.

The Owners Board is responsible for maintaining Virtual Navy Regulations, and for ensuring that Virtual Navy Regulations conform to the current needs of the Virtual Navy.   The Owners Board  must approve any additions, changes or deletions to the Virtual Navy Regulations.

1.4        History of the Virtual Navy.

The Virtual Navy was created by members of the Virtual Navy, Ryan "ScrapIron" Stertz, Peter “Piper” Hibbert, and Phil “Junkyard” Loper, who have used a plethora of military games throughout their virtual careers. After a period of consultation in early July 2006, the VNAVY was born on November 11, 2006 . On November, 11, 2006 , the VNAVY gained its first new member with Gary “SeaDawg” Hines. From there the VNAVY has grown and expanded to numerous members, playing multiple combat simulations. On December, 1, 2006 , the VNAVY moved to its own domain at www.vnavy.com.

Section 2: Community Specific Information for The Forces of The Virtual Navy

2.1 Naval Air Forces.                                                               

NAVAIR shall be comprised of members utilizing the following simulation(s):

• Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004  or  Microsoft Flight Simulator X (primary sim)    

Section 3: The Virtual Navy

3.1        Mission of the Virtual Navy.

The Virtual Navy (hereinafter referred to as “ the VNAVY”) shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations at sea.   It is responsible for the preparation of virtual naval forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned, and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the VNAVY to meet the needs of virtual war.

3.2        Composition.

The VNAVY is separately organized under the Chief of Naval Operations.   It operates under the authority, direction and control of the Chief of Naval Operations.

The VNAVY is composed of the following:

1. the Office of the Owners Board.
   
2. the Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower & Personnel (N1).
   
3. the Office of the Commander of the Naval Education and Training Command.

6. the entire operating forces, including naval aviation, maritime forces, special warfare forces, fleet marine forces, assigned task forces  and reserve forces.

7. all field activities, headquarters, forces, bases, installations, activities and functions under the control or supervision of the Secretary of the Navy or Chief of Naval Operations.

3.3        The Principal Elements of the VNAVY.

The Owners Board 

This presently comprises of SECNAV Professor Peter R Hibbert and CDR R. Stertz VN whose joint decision on all matters relating to the website and on the VNAVY community and its operations shall be absolute and binding on the members.   The Owners Board shall operate as the Command Authority.

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower & Personnel – N1)

• Is assigned to the Office of the Owners Board.  
• Shall oversee command of the entire Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS).  
• Shall oversee the roster of the VNAVY.  
• Shall work to establish and maintain open lines of communication between the Office of the Owners Board and the Communities regarding personnel matters.  
• Has the power to recruit and approve new members.  
• Has the power to induct members into the VNAVY.
• Shall actively work to recruit new members for the various communities that comprise the VNAVY.

• Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.

• Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.
• Shall hold a seat on the Command Authority.
• Shall hold no rank lower than Lieutenant Commander or higher than that of Captain.   

Commander Naval Education and Training Command (NETC):

• Shall oversee command of the Office of the NETC.
• Shall oversee the arrival and preparation of new recruits.
• Shall oversee the Education of the NCO / Warrant / Officer Corps of the VNAVY.
• Shall serve as an advisor to the Owners Board concerning training decisions.
• Has the power to induct members into the VNAVY.
• Has the power to recruit new members.
• Has the power to conduct training operations with and/or against other squadrons with the approval of the Owners Board or the CAG.
• Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.

• Has the power to veto/overrule decisions of subordinates.   
• Shall hold no rank lower than Commander or higher than that of Captain.  

Commanding Officer, Wing/Group/Squadron/Team (CO):

• Shall oversee command of their entire Wing, Group, Squadron, or Team.
• Has the power to recruit new members.

• Has the power to nominate members under his command for promotion/advancement and commendations.

• Shall hold no rank lower than Commander or higher than that of Commander.

Executive Officer (XO):

• Shall oversee command of their entire unit in the CO's absence.
• Shall oversee the roster of the unit.
• Has the power to recruit new members.
• Has the power to nominate members for promotion/advancement and commendations.  
• Shall hold no rank lower than Lieutenant Commander or higher than that of Commander.  

All Other Ranks

• Have the power to nominate new potential recruits to any member of the CA.
• Have the power to nominate other members for a higher rank and commendations.
• Shall participate in unit actives, if it is not possible shall report to their Chain of Command of their inability to participate.
• Shall obey the orders of the officers, warrant officers and enlisted men appointed over them.

3.4        Form of Rate.

The   Virtual Navy shall utilize a rating system of commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted men, with the highest grade being no higher than Admiral (O-10), and a Marine Corps rating system of commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted men, with the highest grade being no higher than Major General (O-8) (for the Fleet Marine Forces only). The Commanding Officer (Chief of Naval Operations) of the VNAVY shall be the primary officer in command, and together with the Executive Officer (Vice Chief of Naval Operations), as his second in command, shall command this virtual military community.

     Section 4: Membership of the Virtual Navy

4.1        Requirements.

All applications for membership will be submitted by way of the official Membership Application .

o         o        First and Last name.

o         o        Valid email address (Note: Valid email address is required.   Any email address that gets “bounced back” will be deemed invalid and the application will be discarded without further review.)

o         o        ALL simulations played  must be legally owned (The VNAVY does not approve of or support software piracy!).

o         o        Be sixteen (16) years of age or older.   Younger persons may be able to join with permission of the Owners Board.

4.2        Qualification.

Upon receipt of an application, fulfilling all Requirements as outlined in above, the new Member will be entered into the VNAVY Database. He/she will receive an Email outlining his/her first Steps in the VNAVY and the Login and Password for the VNAVY Homepage. His/her initial Status is that of a ‘Recruit’ and will be so until the Recruit has successfully completed the Basic Indoctrination Course (Boot Camp).

Upon completion of Boot Camp, the Recruit is promoted to an Officer Candidate, Aviation Officer Candidate or enlisted as a Seaman and progressed to their “A” school for the Department of which he/she is now a part. Upon acceptance, he/she is authorized to add the VNAVY Designate to their ICQ profile and email correspondence.   Applicants that have not yet been officially accepted into the organization may not add the VNAVY Designate.

• Naval Training : All Candidates MUST begin training within 15 days of joining VNAVY. If training is not commenced within those 15 days the Candidate/Recruit will be placed in Reserve status. A Candidate/Recruit may remain in Reserve status for up to a maximum of 45 days before beginning training. Once that 45-day period has elapsed without commencement of training, the Candidate/Recruit will be discharged. Once a Candidate/Recruit begins training, he must complete that training within 45 days or face discharge.   A Candidate has up to 45 days upon joining the VNAVY to complete Naval Training without discharge. All members have to undergo the VNAVY Basic Indoctrination Course in addition to the “A” schools particular to their individual community.
  
  
  
• Failure to Authorize or Respond: Upon applying to join the VNAVY, all new potential members have 5 days to respond to the welcome letter from the DCNO (Manpower & Personnel). If this is not done, the member will be discharged and removed from the roster.

• Minimum Age Requirement:   Minimum age for joining the VNAVY will be 16 years old, except as provided for above. New members under age 17 may hold no position of authority in the VNAVY to exceed Petty Officer Third Class (Navy), Corporal (Marine) or Lieutenant Junior Grade/First Lieutenant (Officers).   This pertains to all persons joining the VNAVY.  

4.3        Behavior.

All Members will conduct themselves in a military fashion and style while in a game. The boundary where people start taking the game too seriously, and begin to act hostile towards other participants, will be enforced.   All orders will be obeyed by lower ranks and be done to the best of their ability. Sportsmanlike conduct is demanded with other members, and especially in competitions with other Clans/Organizations. Any act of Espionage, Treason, or Mutiny will result in an immediate dismissal from the VNAVY.  The posting of obscene, abusive, insulting, defamatory  material (or material defamatory to the RL   US Forces or its coalition partners) on message boards will   also lead to immediate dismissal.

4.4        Internet Protocol

After meeting and conferencing on Ventrilo (or in a Chat room), the following protocol will be established for people connecting to a game. All members will confer and decide what game, and what mission to utilize.   If one person does not show you will wait 5 minutes for them to show. If there are more than 2 people playing you send a person back to Ventrilo / Chat room to investigate what is happening. If the person does not show back online within five minutes on Ventrilo/ Chat room, then the rest of the people participating are to resume the game.   If the connection is broken while in the game, and all players are disconnected, the host will go immediately back into the game and the others will connect and the five-minute will apply for all other players.   If one player is disconnected, you will resume the mission as planned.

 If Internet lag is present a unanimous decision must be made for someone else to host or to end the game.

4.5         Promotions

Promotion in rank is entirely at the discretion of the Owners Board acting as the Command Authority.   Factors that will be taken into account will be TIG (time in grade), TIS (time in service), active participation in the VNAVY community, training and virtual combat experience together with such other matters as the Command Authority considers to be appropriate.

4.6         VNAVY Awards and Commendations

Awards and Commendations in the VNAVY shall be based upon accomplishments while engaged in Virtual Combat (both in adversarial and cooperative multiplayer game play) or special services for the VNAVY. Requirements for the individual Awards available in the VNAVY can be found by clicking on the particular medal on the Medals page of the VNAVY.

A separate VNAVY Awards Manual regulates award and commendation requirements.   Any changes or additions to it have to be authorized by the Command Authority.

4.7         Recruiting Incentives.

Recruiting :

Recruiting ribbon awarded to members who recruit 1 new member that completes initial training within 14 days of joining. Ideally, those recruits should be retained for a minimum of 30 days before award given.

Recruiting ribbon awarded for each additional recruit who meets the above criteria, up to 5 awards.

VNAVY Service ribbon awarded to members who recruit an additional 5 new members that meet the above. Award given for each additional 5 new recruits that meet the above criteria. (IE, award given at 6th, 11th, 16th, etc. member recruited.)

Officer Candidates :

Former members of the VNAVY (previously in good standing) who rejoin (presumably they left for personal reasons and we have no file on them) and complete initial training within 10 days may be advanced to O-2 during the normal monthly promotion cycle.

4.8         Transfers.

All Transfers must be submitted in writing to your Community Commander via the Chain of Command. Such transfers include, but not limited to, enlisted to officer, officer/warrant officer to enlisted, intercommunity/departmental and departmental transfers.    

4.9         Types of Discharge.

The following are the types of discharges granted to members of the VNAVY, and the resulting effects of those discharges.

a.                   Resignation - A member in good standing, who resigns from the VNAVY of his own free will, shall be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY at any point in the future.   A former member may return to the VNAVY within 30 days of his resignation and have all rank, commendations, and privileges restored provided he has not:   joined another organization in competition with the VNAVY, compromised his integrity during his absence, or compromised the integrity of the VNAVY.   Otherwise, the former member may apply to rejoin the VNAVY at anytime in the future as a new member.

b.                   Honorable Discharge (Retirement) - A member in good standing, who retires from the VNAVY of his own free will, shall be permitted to return to duty with the VNAVY at any point in the future, provided he has not:   joined another organization in competition with the VNAVY, compromised his integrity during his absence, or compromised the integrity of the VNAVY.  

c.                   Dishonorable discharge – A member who violates the   terms of membership shall, at the   discretion of the Command Authority (by majority vote of those present and voting) be discharged   and shall not be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY.

d.                   General Discharge - A member who is either asked to resign or resigns under suspicious circumstances shall not be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY.

e.                    Administrative Discharge -   Any member whose membership is deemed to be inactive without   just cause shall (at the sole discretion of the Owners Board) be discharged and shall not be permitted to rejoin the VNAVY.

Section 5: Articles of War

5.1        Declaration of War.

A Declaration of War may be declared only by a unanimous vote of a quorum of the Command Authority, and only then when all other means for a "Peaceful" resolution to the conflict have been exhausted.   The main web page will reflect the current Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Status.

5.2        Threat Conditions.

Threat Conditions will proceed as follows:

• FPCON ALPHA: A general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel and facilities.
• FPCON BRAVO: An increased and more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.
• FPCON CHARLIE: An incident has occurred or intelligence has been received indicating that some form of terrorist action is imminent.
• FPCON DELTA: A terrorist attack has occurred or intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely.

5.3        Mobilization for War.

Upon a Declaration of War (DoW), the following actions will immediately take place:   

Members to participate will be contacted via ICQ and email by the Command Authority.

Section 6: Chief of Naval Operations

6.1        Precedence.

The CNO, while so serving, has the grade of admiral.   In the performance of duties within the VNAVY, the CNO takes precedence above all other officers of the naval service, except an officer of the naval service who is serving as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

6.2        Succession.

When there is a vacancy in the position of CNO, or during the absence or disability of the CNO, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations shall perform the duties of the CNO until appointed to the position of CNO.

If there is a vacancy in the position of Vice Chief of Naval Operations or the Vice Chef of Naval Operations is absent,  the most senior officer of the Virtual Navy who is not absent or and who is not restricted in the performance of duty shall perform the duties of the CNO. This will happen until a successor to the CNO is appointed or until the absence of the CNO or Vice Chief of Naval Operations ceases.

6.3        Duties of the Chief of Naval Operations.

The Chief of Naval Operations shall:

1. presides over the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations;

2. shall transmit plans and recommendations to the Office of Naval Operations;

3. after the approval of the plans or recommendations, the Chief of Naval Operations shall carry them into effect;

4. exercises supervision, consistent with the statutory authority assigned to the commanders of unified or specified combatant commands, over such of the members and organizations of the Navy, and

5. the Chief of Naval Operations shall also perform the statutory duties prescribed for a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

6.4        Statutory Authority and Responsibility of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

 The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations shall furnish professional assistance to the Chief of Naval Operations. Under the authority, direction and control of the Chief of Naval Operations shall:

1. prepare for such employment of the Virtual Navy, and for such recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training, servicing, mobilizing, demobilizing, administering, and maintaining of the Virtual Navy, as will assist in the execution of any power, duty or function of the Chief of Naval Operations;

2. investigate and report upon the efficiency of the Virtual Navy and its preparation to support virtual military operations by combatant commands;

3. prepare detailed instructions for the execution of approved plans and supervise the execution of those plans and instructions;

4. as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations, coordinate the action of organizations of the Virtual Navy, and

5. perform such other duties, not otherwise assigned by law.

Except as otherwise specifically prescribed by law, the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations shall be organized in such a manner, and its members shall perform such duties and have such titles as the CNO may prescribe.

Section 7: Titles and Duties of Commanders

7.1        Titles of Commanders.

The commander of a principal organization of the operating forces of the Virtual Navy, as determined by the CNO, or the officer who has succeeded to such command as provided elsewhere in these regulations, shall have the title "Commander".   The name of the organization under the command of such an officer shall be added to form his or her official title.

The commander of each other organization of units of operating forces of the VNAVY, or organization of units of shore activities, shall have the title "Commander," "Commandant," "Commanding General" or other appropriate title.   The name of the organization under the command of such an officer shall be added to form his or her official title.

7.2        Responsibility and Authority of Commanders.

Commanders shall be responsible for the satisfactory accomplishment of the mission and duties assigned to their commands.   Their authority shall be commensurate with their responsibilities.   Normally, commanders shall exercise authority through their immediate subordinate commanders, but they may communicate directly with any of their subordinates.

Commanders shall ensure that subordinate commands are fully aware of the importance of strong, dynamic leadership and its relationship to the overall efficiency and readiness of naval forces.   Commanders shall exercise positive leadership and actively develop the highest qualities of leadership in persons with positions of authority and responsibility throughout their commands.

Subject to orders of higher authority, and subject to the provisions of these regulations, commanders shall issue such regulations and instructions as may be necessary for the proper administration of their commands.

Commanders shall hold the same relationship to their flagships, or to shore activities of the command in which their headquarters may be located, in regard to internal administration and discipline, as to any other ship or shore activity of their commands.

7.3        To Announce Assumption of Command.

Upon assuming command, commanders shall so advise appropriate superiors, and the units of their commands by mass email, or ICQ to their respective command and to their Commanding Officer.

7.4        Readiness.

Commanders shall take all practicable steps to maintain their commands in a state of readiness to perform their missions.   In conformity with the orders and policies of higher authority, they shall:

1. organize the forces and resources under their command and assign duties to their principal subordinate commanders;

2. prepare plans for the employment of their forces to meet existing and foreseeable situations;  

3. maintain effective intelligence and keep themselves informed of the political and virtual military aspects of the national and international situation;

4. make, or cause to be made, necessary inspections to ensure the readiness, effectiveness and efficiency of the components of their commands; and

5. develop, in accordance with directives issued by higher authority, training strategies and plans for their commands.

7.5        Keeping Immediate Superiors Informed.

Commanders shall keep their immediate superiors appropriately informed of:

1. the organization of their commands, the prospective and actual movements of the units of their commands, and the location of their headquarters;

2. plans for employment of their forces;

3. the condition of their commands and of any required action pertaining thereto which is beyond their capacity or authority;

4. intelligence information which may be of value;

5. any battle, engagement or other significant action involving units of their commands;

6. any important service or duty performed by persons or units of their commands; and

7. unexecuted orders and matters of interest upon being relieved of command.

7.6        Organization of Staff.

The term "staff" means those officers and other designated persons assigned to a commander to assist him or her in the administration and operation of his or her command.

The staff shall be organized into such divisions as may be prescribed by the commander concerned or by higher authority.   These divisions shall conform in nature and designation, as practicable and as appropriate, to those of the staffs of superiors.

The staff of a flag or general officer may include one or more personal aides.

7.7        Authority and Responsibilities of Officers of a Staff.

The officers of a staff shall be responsible for the performance of those duties assigned to them by the commander and shall advise the commander on all matters pertaining thereto.   In the performance of their staff duties they shall have no command authority of their own.   In carrying out such duties, they shall act for, and in the name of, the commander.

7.8        Administration and Discipline: Staff Embarked.

 In matters of general discipline, the staff of a commander embarked and all enlisted persons serving with the staff shall be subject to the internal regulations and routine of the ship.   They shall be assigned regular stations for battle and emergencies.   Enlisted persons serving with the staff shall be assigned to the ship for administration and discipline, except in the case of staff embarked for passage only, and provided in that case that an organization exists and is authorized to act for such purposes.

7.9        Administration and Discipline:   Staff Based Ashore.

When a staff is based ashore, the enlisted persons serving with the staff shall, when practicable, be assigned to an appropriate activity for purposes of administration and discipline.   The staff officers may be similarly assigned.   Members of a staff assigned for any purpose to a command or activity shall conform in matters of general discipline to the internal regulations and routine of that command or activity.

Section 8: The Commanding Officer

8.1        Applicability.

In addition to commanding officers, the provisions of this chapter shall apply, where pertinent, to aircraft commanders, officers in charge (including warrant officers and petty officers when so detailed) and those persons standing the command duty.

8.2        Responsibility.

The responsibility of the commanding officer for his or her command is absolute, except when, and to the extent to which, he or she has been relieved therefrom by competent authority, or as provided otherwise in these regulations.   While the commanding officer may, at his or her discretion, and when not contrary to law or regulations, delegate authority to subordinates for the execution of details, such delegation of authority shall in no way relieve the commanding officer of continued responsibility for the safety, well-being and efficiency of the entire command.

A commanding officer who departs from orders or instructions, or takes official action which is not, in accordance with such orders or instructions, does so upon his or her own responsibility and shall report immediately the circumstances to the officer from whom the prior orders or instructions were reviewed.   Of particular importance is the commanding officer's duty to take all necessary and appropriate action in self-defense of the command.

8.3        Organization of Commands.

All commands and other activities of the Virtual Navy shall be organized and administered in accordance with law, and the orders and instructions of the commanding officer shall be in accordance therewith.

8.4        Effective Organized Force Always Present.

Under no circumstances shall any ship or station be left without an organized force that will be effective in any emergency, and, consistent with existing requirements, capable of ensuring satisfactory operation.

8.5        Relationship with Executive Officer.

 The commanding officer shall keep the executive officer informed of the commanding officer's policies, and normally shall issue all orders relative to the duties of the command through the executive officer.   Normally, the commanding officer shall require that all communications of an official nature from subordinated to the commanding officer be transmitted through the executive officer.  

8.6        Inspections, Muster and Sighting of Personnel.

The commanding officer shall hold periodic inspections of the material condition of the command, not on weekends or holidays, to determine deficiencies and cleanliness.   When the size of the command precludes completion of the inspection in a reasonable time, the commanding officer shall designate zones to be inspected by heads of departments or other responsible officers, and shall personally inspect at least one zone, alternating zones in order that the commanding officer inspects the entire command at minimum intervals.

The commanding officer shall ensure that, consistent, with their employment, the personnel of the command present at all times a neat, clean and virtual military appearance.   To assist in attaining this standard of appearance, the commanding officer shall, in the absence of operational exigency, hold periodic personnel inspections.

 The presence of all persons attached to the command shall be accounted for weekly.   Persons who have not been sighted by a responsible senior shall be reported absent.

8.7        Records.

The commanding officer shall require that records relative to personnel, material and operations, as required by the current instructions, are maintained properly by those responsible thereof.

8.8        Training and Education.

The commanding officer shall:

1. endeavor to increase the specialized and general professional knowledge of the personnel under his or her command by the frequent conduct of drills, classes and instruction, and by the utilization of appropriate fleet and service schools;

2. encourage and provide assistance and facilities to the personnel under his or her command who seek to further their education in professional or other subjects;

3. afford frequent opportunities to the executive officer, and to other officers of the ship as practicable, to improve their skill in commanding the unit.

8.9        Delivery of Orders to Personnel.

The commanding officer shall not withhold any orders or other communications received from higher authority for any person under his or her command, except for good and sufficient reasons, which he or she shall at once report to such higher authority.   Communications of personal nature may be withheld by a commanding officer for good reason until completion of mission or duty.

8.10      Effectiveness for Service.

 The commanding officer shall exert every effort to maintain the command in a state of maximum effectiveness for war or other service consistent with the degree of readiness as may be prescribed by proper authority.   Effectiveness for service is directly related to the state of personnel and material readiness.

Section 9: Precedence

9.1        Officers of the Virtual Naval.

Officers of the VNAVY shall be known as officers in the line, officers in the staff corps, chief warrant officers and warrant officers.

Officers in the line of the VNAVY include the following officers in the grade of ensign and above:

1. Line officers have no restrictions on duties.

2. Officers in staff corps designated for limited duty within their respective corps.

9.2        Precedence of Officers.

The date of rank of an officer is that stated in his or her commission, or, when no commission for the current grade has been issued to the officer, the date established by the Chief of Naval Operations.

All officers of the same grade take precedence with each other according to their respective dates of rank.   However, in the case of officers with the same date of rank, or of officers who have gained or lost numbers, their precedence shall be as indicated in the appropriate active-duty list, retired list, or Reserve Officer precedence list maintained in accordance with law or regulation.

9.3        Precedence of an Officer in Command

  An officer, either of the line or of a staff corps, detailed to command by competent authority or who has succeeded to command, has precedence over all officers or other persons attached to the command of whatever rate and whether they are of the line or of a staff corps.

9.4        Precedence of the Executive Officer.

The executive officer, while in the execution of duties as such, shall take precedence over all persons under the command of the commanding officer.

9.5        Precedence on Boards.

The precedence established by these regulations shall be observed on all boards.

9.6        Title of Officers Holding Acting Appointments.

An officer holding an acting appointment shall have the title of his or her acting grade and, when such appointment is revoked, shall resume the title of his or her actual grade.

9.7        Manner of Addressing Officers.

Every officer in the VNAVY shall be designated and addressed in official communications by the title of his or her grade, preceding the name.

 In written communications, the name of the corps to which any staff corps officer belongs shall be indicated immediately after the officer's name.

9.8        Authority Over Subordinates.

All officers of the VNAVY, of whatever designation or corps, shall have all the necessary authority for the performance of their duties and shall be obeyed by all persons, of whatever designation or corps, who are, in accordance with these regulations and orders from competent authority, subordinate to them.

9.9        Delegation of Authority.

The delegation of authority and the issuance of orders and instructions by a person in the virtual naval service shall not relieve such person from any responsibility imposed upon him or her.   He or she shall ensure that the delegated authority is properly exercised and that his or her orders and instructions are properly executed.

9.10      Abuse of Authority.

 Persons in authority are forbidden to injure their subordinates by tyrannical or capricious conduct, or by abusive language.

9.11      Contradictory and Conflicting Orders.

An officer who diverts another from any service which he or she has been ordered by a common superior, or who requires a person to act contrary to the orders of such superior, or interferes with those under such superior's command, must immediately report this action to the officer whose orders have contravened, and show that the public interest required such action.   All orders under such circumstances shall be given in writing when possible.

If an officer receives an order which annuls, suspends or modifies one received from another superior, or one contrary to instructions or orders from the Chief of Naval Operations, he or she shall exhibit the original order, unless under instructions not to do so, and represent the facts in writing to the superior from whom the last order was received.   If, after such representation, the officer from whom the last order was received should insist upon the execution of that order, it shall be obeyed.   The officer receiving and executing such order shall report the circumstances to the superior from whom the original order was received.

9.12      Authority of an Officer in Command.

 An officer, either of the line or of a staff corps, detailed to command by competent authority, has authority over all officers or other persons attached to the command, whatever their rate, and whether they are of the line or of the staff corps.

9.13      Authority of an Officer Who Succeeds to Command.

An officer who succeeds to command due to incapacity, death, departure on leave, detachment without relief or absence due to orders from competent authority of the officer detailed to command, has the same authority and responsibility as the officer whom he or she succeeds.

An officer who succeeds to command during the temporary absence of the commanding officer shall make no changes in the existing organization, and shall endeavor to have the routine and other affairs of the command carried on in the usual manner.

When an officer temporarily succeeding to commands signs official correspondence, the word "Acting" shall appear below his or her signature.

9.14      Authority of Juniors to Issue Orders to Seniors.

No member of the Virtual Navy is authorized, by virtue of his or her rate alone, to give any order or grant any privilege, permission or liberty to any officer senior to him or her.   A member is not required to receive such order, privilege, permission or liberty from a junior, unless such junior is at the time:

1. in command of the unit or other command to which the senior is attached;

2. in command or direction of the virtual military expedition or duty on which such senior is serving;

3. an executive officer executing an order of the commanding officer;

Section 10: Detail to Duty

10.1      Basis for Details.

Appointments, details, transfers and assignments shall be made on the basis of official records.

10.2      Changes in Details to Duty.

No officer, except the senior officer present, shall change the detail of a person assigned by a superior to a specific duty without the permission of that superior.   The senior officer present shall not change the detail of any person without good and sufficient reason and shall report all changes and the reasons for them to the superior without delay.

10.3      Command of a Task Force.

A commanding officer, and any other virtual naval commander, may detail in command of a task force, or other task command, any eligible officer within his or her command whom he or she desires.   All other officers ordered to the task force or the task command shall be considered subordinate to the designated commander.

All orders issued under the authority of this regulations shall continue in effect after the death or disability of the officer issuing them until they are revoked by his or her successor in command or higher authority.

The powers delegated to a commander by this article are not conferred on any officer by virtue of the fact that he or she is the senior officer present.

10.4      Command of a Staff Corps Activity.

Officers in a staff corps shall be detailed to command only such activities as are appropriate to their corps.

10.5      Detail of Executive Officer.

The officer detailed as executive officer shall be an officer eligible to succeed to command whom, when practical, is next in rate to the commanding officer.

When no officer has been detailed as the executive officer by the Chief of Naval Personnel as appropriate, or when the officer so detailed is absent or incapable of performing the duties of the office, the commanding officer shall detail the senior line officer within the command and eligible to succeed to command as executive officer that, if the commanding officer is a member of a staff corps, he or she may detail as executive officer the next senior officer in the appropriate staff corps.

Section 11:   Succession

11.1      Rank and Grade of an Officer who succeeds to Command.

An officer who succeeds to command acquires no increase of rank or change in grade by virtue of such succession alone.

11.2      Succession Prescribed by a Commander in Chief.

A commander in chief and, when empowered by the Chief of Naval Operations, any other virtual naval commander may prescribe the order of succession to command, including his or her own, among the various officers whom he or she has detailed to command task forces or other task commands.   All orders issued under the authority of this article shall continue into effect after the incapacity or death of the officer issuing them until revoked by his or her successor in command or by higher authority.   The powers delegated to a virtual naval commander under this article are not conferred on any other officer by virtue of the fact that he or she is the senior officer present.

11.3      Succession of a Chief of Staff and Other Staff Officers.

 In the absence or incapacity of the commander on whose staff he is serving, a chief of staff, chief staff officer, or other officer on a staff may succeed to command if next in rate within the command and otherwise eligible as provided in these regulations.

11.4      Succession to Command of an Aircraft Unit.

In the event of relief from duty or absence of the officer detailed to command an aircraft squadron, the executive officer shall succeed to command until relieved by competent authority or until the regular commanding officer returns.   Succession to command, after the commanding officer and the executive officer, of an aircraft squadron shall be the line officer regularly attached to and on board the aircraft squadron who is next in rank and qualified to command an aircraft unit, until relieved by competent authority or until the regular commanding officer or executive officer returns.

11.5      Succession to Command by Officers in the Staff Corps.

Officers in the staff corps may succeed to command only at such activities as are appropriate to their corps.

Section 12 : Standards of Conduct

12.1      Standards of Conduct.

All Departments of the VNAVY personnel are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and ethics.   At a minimum, all personnel shall comply with directives issued by the Chief of Naval Operations, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and the Secretary of the Navy regarding the Standards of Conduct and Government Ethics.

12.2           Report of Fraud.

If any person in the Virtual Navy who has knowledge of any fraud shall report this conduct immediately in writing to the proper authority, specifying the particular act, or acts of misconduct, fraud, or neglect and describing any evidence which may assist in proving same.

Section 13:   Official Records

13.1      Personal Privacy and Rights of Individuals Regarding Their Personal Records.

Except as specifically provided in this section, maintenance of personal records of individuals, and the release of those records, shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act and directives issued by the Chief of Naval Operations.

 Except as specifically provided in this section, the Chief of Naval Operations shall in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and directives issue the release of the departmental records to private parties.

13.2      Disclosure, Publication and Security of Official Information.

No person in the VNAVY shall convey or disclose by oral or written communications, publication, graphic or other means, any classified information except as provided in directives governing the release of such information.   Additionally, no person in the VNAVY shall communicate or otherwise deal with foreign entitles, even on an unclassified basis, when this would commit the VNAVY to disclose classified virtual military information, except as may be required in that person's official duties and only after coordination with and approval by a release authority designated by competent authority.

No person in the VNAVY shall convey or disclose by oral or written communication, publication or other means, except as may be required by his or her official duties, any information concerning the VNAVY or virtual forces, or any person, thing, plan or measure pertaining thereto, where such information might be of possible assistance to a foreign power; now shall any person in the VNAVY make any public speech or permit publication of an article written by or for that person which is prejudicial to the interests of the United States or its coalition partners   The Chief of Naval Operations will prescribe the regulations concerned with the release of information to the public through any media.

13.3      Inspection of the Record of a Person in the Virtual Naval Forces.

The record of a person in the VNAVY maintained by the Chief of Naval personnel shall be available for inspection by the person or a duly authorized agent, designated as such in writing by the person.

A request for inspection made under this Article need not comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act.

13.4      Control of Official Records.

No person, without proper authority, shall withdraw official records or correspondence from the files, or destroy them, or withhold them from those persons authorized to have access to them.

Section 14: Duties of Individuals

14.1      Officer's Duties Relative to Laws, Orders and Regulations.

All officers in the VNAVY shall acquaint themselves with, obey and, so far as their authority extends, enforce the laws, regulations and orders relating to the Virtual Navy.   They will faithfully and truthfully discharge the duties of their offices to the best of their ability in conformance with existing orders and regulations and their solemn profession of the oath of office.   In the absence of instructions, they shall act in conformity with the policies and customs of the VNAVY.

14.2      Requirement of Exemplary Conduct.

All commanding officers and others in authority in the virtual naval service are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism and subordination; to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command; to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the VNAVY, all persons who are guilty of them; and to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations and customs of the naval service, to promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well being and general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge.

14.3.     Compliance With Lawful Orders.

All persons in the VNAVY are required to obey readily and strictly, and to execute promptly, the lawful orders of their superiors.

In the event that a higher ranking officer gives orders that are immoral, irresponsible, or violate any of the behavior rules or code of ethics, the order does not have to be obeyed. The incident must be reported to the CA or the CNO himself immediately for immediate action. An investigation will be run to contest the situation and whether or not the order should have been obeyed, at the Command Authorities Discretion.

14.4      Language Reflecting on a Superior .

 No person in the virtual naval service shall use language that may tend to diminish the confidence in or respect due to his or her superior officer.

Section 15: Rights and Restrictions

15.1      Redress of Wrong Committed by a Superior .

If any person in the VNAVY considers him or herself wronged by an act, omission, decision or order of a person who is superior in rate or command, that person shall not fail in maintaining a respectful bearing toward such superior, buy may report the wrong to the proper authority for redress in the manner provided in this article.   The report should clearly identify the respondent (the superior against whom it is made), the wrong complained of and the redress desired.   The officer may hold a complainant accountable responsible for the resolution of the report if the report is found to be vexatious, frivolous or false.   The report may not be joined with reports by other complainants.

15.2      Direct Communication With the Commanding Officer.

The right of any person in the VNAVY to communicate with the commanding officer in a proper manner, and at a proper time and place, shall not be denied or restricted.

Officers who are senior to the executive officer have the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer, but they shall keep the executive officer informed on matters related to the functioning of the command.

 A head of department, or any other major subdivision of an activity, has the right to communicate directly with the commanding officer concerning any matter relating to that department or subdivision, but shall keep the executive officer informed.

15.3      Suggestions for Improvement.

Any person in the VNAVY may address to the Chief of Naval Operations, via the chain of command, suggestions or constructive criticism pertaining to improvements in efficiency or more economical methods of administration or management in the Virtual Navy.

15.4      Combinations for Certain Purpose Prohibited.

Persons in the VNAVY shall not join together for the common purpose of protesting or complaining against orders or details to duty, complaining of particulars of duty or procuring preferences.

15.5      Forwarding Individual Requests.

 Requests from persons in the VNAVY shall be acted upon promptly.   When addressed to higher authority, requests shall be forwarded without delay.   The reason should be stated when a request is not approved or recommended.