text: Chapter 5
  Coordinate Personnel Support
  Chapter 5 provides an overview of personnel support functions for command interest
  programs and retention operations. These personnel support functions require
  coordination and generally fall under the responsibility of G-1/AGs and S-1s.
  SECTION I – COMMAND INTEREST PROGRAMS
  5-1. Command interest programs are of general interest to organizations and Soldiers. The following
  paragraphs briefly discuss the general responsibilities of the S-1 with respect to any command interest
  program demanding specific attention as directed by the commander. Some programs that traditionally fall
  within the purview are provided as examples to understand the principles of support involved but should not
  be considered all-inclusive. Command interest programs generally have five key components that include the
  responsible agent or agency, regulatory or statutory guidance, checklist, compliance protocols, and reporting
  requirements.
  5-2. A responsible agent or agency is someone specific or a subordinate element that is appointed, in
  writing, by order or policy memorandum, that establishes the scope and responsibilities of the duty to be
  performed, the length of time the duty is performed and any applicable references authorizing the order. The
  commander or his/her designated representative must sign any order or policy memorandum establishing a
  responsible agent or agency for a command interest program. The S-1 ensures the order is completed and
  maintained IAW the requirements for the program.
  5-3. All command interest programs must follow regulatory guidance or statutory requirements for
  successful execution of the program. The S-1 can assist to ensure the responsible agent has access to the
  current regulations or policies governing the program. For example, AR 600-20, Army Command Policy,
  establishes the Army Equal Opportunity Program. For the commander, it highlights all the essential elements
  of the program to ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment to all Soldiers and their family members.
  5-4. Most programs have specific requirements or procedures to follow. A checklist ensures completion of
  each component is on time and in the proper order. At any time, the checklist can be updated to reflect
  procedure changes. In some cases, the S-1 may not perform some or any of the duties on the checklist beyond
  assuring that a responsible agent is appointed. For example, the Army Voting Assistance Program educates
  eligible Soldiers on the importance of voting and provides every opportunity to register and cast their votes.
  However, the program manager may not necessarily be in the S-1. Any Soldier meeting the requirements
  outlined in AR 608-20, Army Voting Assistance Program, may be appointed as the voting assistance officer.
  That individual, once appointed in writing, is responsible for following the checklist, maintaining compliance
  with the regulation, and reporting periodically to the commander the status of the program.
  5-5. Compliance protocols are the methods and procedures to provide quality assurance as mandated by
  law for any federal agency. Simply put, these are the inspections performed by higher HQ, inspector general,
  or other agency to measure, through appropriate metrics, the command’s compliance with the requirements
  established by the regulation or law. Most often, these are performed when a principal responsible agent
  changes, the governing guidance changes, or annually if no other circumstance has prompted a review. The
  S-1 tracks the timeline for inspections; coordinates or schedules, where appropriate, the inspection and any
  follow up actions, and maintains any historical inspections as required.
  5-6. Each command interest program’s governing regulation or implementing guidance usually provides
  the time and manner by which progress reports are submitted to the commander, higher HQ, or external
  agencies. The S-1 may act as the staff command principal for consolidating, formatting, and presenting the