Who is responsible for the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of office files within an activity?

The Commanding Officer (CO) holds the responsibility for the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of office files within an activity. This responsibility stems from the CO's overarching authority and accountability in ensuring that the organization operates efficiently and effectively. The CO sets policies and procedures that govern how documents and files are handled, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding important information.

This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the operational requirements of the unit, including document retention policies, which help maintain organizational integrity and accountability. Moreover, the CO delegates certain tasks to other personnel, but the ultimate responsibility lies with them to ensure that everything meets regulatory standards and supports the mission of the activity.

While other roles, such as the Executive Officer, Chief Petty Officer, and First Lieutenant, play significant parts in the operation and management of the unit, the final responsibility for file management and related procedures rest with the Commanding Officer, making this answer correct.