SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-jumping-the-chain

What is 'jumping the chain'?

Taking an issue to a high-level leader without your immediate superiors.

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  1. Skipping a grade on promotion
  2. Leaving formation without permission
  3. Going to a top leader without your immediate superiors ✔

Why: For routine issues, use each level in order and solve problems as low as possible. Bullying, abuse, violence, and sensitive topics may go directly to a trusted senior member.

Huh, didn't know that: Learn to Lead compares the chain to a ladder: climb it one step at a time.

The dad joke
Why did the cadet take the ladder one rung at a time? He didn't want to jump the chain.
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References

Answer: Going to a top leader without your immediate superiors. For routine issues, use each level in order and solve problems as low as possible. Bullying, abuse, violence, and sensitive topics may go directly to a trusted senior member.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 1: Personal Leadership www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol1LetterLowFinal_FDCFE2AA96703.pdf
    an individual takes an issue to a high-level leader, without consulting their immediate superiors.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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