When personal signing is impractical, what can a commanding officer authorize others to use?

The use of a signature stamp is an authorized method for a commanding officer when personal signing is impractical. In situations where a commanding officer is unable to sign documents personally, they can delegate the use of a signature stamp to facilitate the signing process. This method ensures that important documents are signed in a timely manner, maintaining operational efficiency.

Utilizing a signature stamp carries the advantage of preserving the authenticity of the signature, as it often replicates the original signature in a secure and controlled manner. Proper protocols should be followed to ensure that the signature stamp is used only under the authority of the commanding officer and that it is kept secure to prevent misuse.

The other options involve methods that may not have the same level of formal acceptance or security as the signature stamp in certain contexts. For example, while electronic signatures are gaining acceptance, they may not always be permissible depending on the nature of the document or specific regulations that govern signature authority in military operations. Pre-signed authorizations and alternate signature methods may also lack the formal recognition that is required in certain scenarios, making the signature stamp the more conventional and reliable choice for delegating signature authority.