Final answer:
A Commander or commandant must act if they find an evaluation report to be unlawful or against regulations, by conducting an investigation, taking corrective action, consulting higher authorities or legal advisors, and adhering to internal and regulatory standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a Commander (CDR) or commandant faces a situation where an evaluation report from a subordinate or a subordinate command may be illegal, unjust, or in violation of regulations, they have a professional and ethical obligation to take action. Regulations and protocols in the military and other hierarchical institutions are in place to maintain order, ensure fairness, and uphold legal standards. The CDR or commandant must investigate the matter to confirm the report's legitimacy, and if it is indeed found to be improper, they must take corrective action, which may include voiding the unlawful evaluation, taking disciplinary actions against the responsible parties, and implementing procedures to prevent similar situations in the future.
Their actions should align with internal protocols and can involve seeking counsel or direction from higher authority or legal advisors, as exemplified in the quote which mentions that a principal officer may be required "to give their Opinion, in writing, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices." Additionally, according to bureaucratic oversight principles, it is important for those inside the bureaucracy, such as CDRs and commandants, to recognize and report on misconduct despite the potential backlash; this echoes the immense responsibility that comes with their position.
In cases involving technical matters or specialized areas such as those handled by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the commander may also engage with regulatory bodies or use the power vested in them to address any discrepancies or violations related to safety and compliance, as indicated by the authority of the CDRH to oversee and ensure regulated products meet safety standards and recall defective items.