Which role typically designates the QAO?

• A. Commanding Officer (CO)
• B. Department Head (DH)
• C. Quality Assurance Investigator (QAI)
• D. Quality Assurance Officer (QAO)

Answer: (A)

The person who designates the Quality Assurance Officer is the Commanding Officer, because this leadership position is the one entrusted with overall responsibility for unit readiness and the QA program. Appointing the QA Officer requires authority that spans the organization, which sits with the commander. A Department Head handles department-level concerns but does not officially appoint cross-unit QA leadership. The Quality Assurance Investigator is a role focused on conducting investigations, not on appointing QA leadership, and the Quality Assurance Officer is the role being designated, not the designer. So, the commanding officer is the appropriate designation authority.