In the United States Army, the only thing that changes faster than the frontline is the paperwork. As of 2025 and 2026, the “Soldier’s Bible”—AR 600-20 (Army Command Policy)—has undergone a massive structural shift.
If you are a leader preparing for a promotion board, a Commander establishing a unit climate, or a Soldier trying to understand your rights, the old versions of AR 600-20 are now obsolete. This guide breaks down the latest mandated revisions, including the relocation of the SHARP program and the new focus on “Good Order and Discipline.”
What is AR 600-20?
AR 600-20 is the primary regulation that prescribes the policies and responsibilities of command. It covers everything from the Chain of Command and Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Support Channels to military discipline, conduct, and the Army Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Program.
According to the Army Publishing Directorate, the latest administrative and mandated revisions have fundamentally changed how this regulation is structured to improve accessibility and focus.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
| Proponent | Deputy Chief of Staff, G–1 |
| Primary Focus | Command Authority, Leadership, and Unit Climate |
| 2026 Status | Major Revision (SHARP & Fraternization removed to standalone regs) |
| Punitive Nature | Portions are punitive; violations can lead to UCMJ action. |
Major 2025-2026 Updates: What Changed?
The most significant change in the 2026 environment is the “slimming down” of AR 600-20. To make the regulation more manageable, the Department of the Army moved several massive programs into their own standalone regulations.
1. SHARP is Gone (Moved to AR 600-52)
The Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program is no longer a chapter within AR 600-20. It has been moved to its own dedicated publication: AR 600-52. This allows for faster updates to SHARP policy without needing to revise the entire Command Policy.
2. Fraternization and Conduct (Moved to AR 600-32)
Policies regarding Conduct Between Soldiers of Different Grades (fraternization) have shifted to AR 600-32. This includes specific rules on business relationships, dating, and social media interactions between ranks. For more leadership resources, you can check out Gloobia.com for updated military guides.
3. Terminology Shift: “Sex” vs. “Gender”
Following Executive Order 14168, the regulation has been updated throughout to change the term “gender” to “sex” to ensure administrative and legal consistency with federal guidelines.
4. DEIA Policy Removal
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) policy and programs have been removed from the regulation per Executive Order 14151.
The Pillars of Command: Chapters You Must Know
Chapter 2: Command Policies
This is the heart of the regulation. It defines how authority is exercised in the Army.
- Chain of Command: The succession of commanders through which command is exercised.
- Open Door Policy: Every Commander must have a designated “Open Door” policy, allowing Soldiers to bypass the immediate chain of command for serious personal or professional issues.
- Assumptions of Command: Detailed rules on who takes charge when a Commander is absent or incapacitated.
Chapter 4: Military Discipline and Conduct
This chapter is punitive. It outlines the standards for professional behavior.
- Corrective Training: Commanders and NCOs have the authority to use non-punitive measures (like extra training) to correct minor deficiencies.
- Note: Corrective training must be directly related to the deficiency (e.g., if a Soldier fails a land nav course, the training should be land nav, not “busy work”).
Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) Program
While SHARP moved, the MEO Program remains a cornerstone of AR 600-20. Its goal is to maximize human potential by ensuring fair treatment for all based on merit.
Types of Complaints
- Informal Complaint: Any complaint that a Soldier or family member does not wish to file in writing. These are typically resolved at the lowest level.
- Formal Complaint: Filed in writing using DA Form 7279. These trigger specific investigation timelines and legal requirements.
Filing Timelines
Soldiers generally have 60 days from the date of the incident to file a formal MEO complaint. Detailed filing procedures are maintained by the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.
Essential Definitions for the Board
If you are heading to a promotion board, you must be able to define these terms:
- Command: The authority that a commander in the military service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment.
- Duty: A legal or moral obligation to do what should be done without being told to do it.
- Responsibility: Being accountable for what you do or fail to do.
- NCO Support Channel: A channel of communication and supervision used for executing the commander’s orders and maintaining discipline.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about AR 600-20
Q: Can a civilian exercise command over Soldiers?
A: No. Only commissioned or warrant officers can exercise “Command.” However, civilians may be designated to exercise “General Supervision” over an installation or activity.
Q: Is the NCO Support Channel separate from the Chain of Command?
A: No. The NCO Support Channel (from the CSM down to the Squad Leader) reinforces and complements the Chain of Command; it does not replace it.
Q: What is the purpose of “Administrative Corrective Measures”?
A: To teach and train. They are non-punitive and are intended to bring a Soldier’s performance back to Army standards.
Q: Where did the SHARP chapter go?
A: As of the 2025/2026 revisions, SHARP is now governed by AR 600-52.
Conclusion
The 2026 update to AR 600-20 represents a more focused, streamlined approach to Army leadership. By separating large programs like SHARP and Fraternization into their own regulations (AR 600-52 and AR 600-32, respectively), the Army has made its core Command Policy easier to digest for new leaders.
Ultimately, AR 600-20 remains the most critical document for maintaining unit morale and mission readiness. Whether you are studying for a board or taking your first command, staying current on these 2026 changes is not just an administrative task—it is a leadership requirement.
