Staff Officer

Staff officers in the U. S. Navy provide specialized support to Line Officers and to all other persons in the organization. Staff functions in the Navy include medical, legal, supply and chaplain (religious). Other military services are organized in a similar manner.

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The distinction between line and staff personnel is also used in most large corporations and large non-profit organizations. In business, line functions are usually marketing, production, human resources, information systems and research and development. Staff functions are administrative support and general counsel.

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