Who has the authority to request medical evaluations for duty performance concerns?

The authority to request medical evaluations for duty performance concerns primarily lies with the commander. This is because the commander is responsible for the overall readiness and performance of their unit, which includes ensuring that personnel are fit for duty. If there are concerns regarding an individual's ability to perform their duties, the commander has a duty to take the necessary steps to assess the situation, which often involves initiating a medical evaluation. Such evaluations may help determine if an Airman is medically fit to perform their assigned tasks or if there are underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

The First Sergeant plays a critical support role within the unit, often assisting with personnel issues and advising the commander; however, they do not hold the authority to initiate medical evaluations independently. The chief of the medical staff oversees the medical team and clinical operations but does not have the authority to request evaluations on behalf of a command concern. Similarly, while the individual Airman can express concerns about their health or duty performance, they lack the authority to formally request a medical evaluation regarding such matters; that responsibility rests with the commander to ensure a proper and objective assessment of all personnel fitness for duty.