Comment by EtCepeyd

Yes, but NATO members are not bound by contracts that classify them into superiors and subordinates. Whereas at work, you'll have some form of contract in which you agree to taking -- and usually: soliciting -- direction from your superior or client. Silence procedure works between equals, where each party is required, from the get-go, to (a) announce their intent to the shared message bus, (b) diligently listen to the shared message bus, and take action whenever necessary. The communication pattern between manager and report is totally different; the parties are not equals there.