Rank vs. Position...

I assume your organizational structure dictates the "reporting chain" and, as such, I assume the 0-5s are not really subordinate to you, as the Deputy Director, but to your boss, the Director. While, in the performance of your duties, you work with them, on behalf of your boss, you are probably not actually above them in the chain of command.

Regardless, the arrangement you find yourself in should not be an issue, if all parties work together to get the mission accomplished. The only time it should be an issue is if you attempt to present yourself as their senior or if they refuse to acknowledge your duty responsibilities. If there is a problem, a few well-placed words from your boss should alleviate that.

I found myself in that situation a few times and, for the most part, all worked out OK. It really depends on the affected parties being more concerned about getting the job done than rank or position.

As the Military Police brigade commander in Korea, I was also the 8th Army Provost Marshal, as well as the US Forces Korea (USFK) Provost Marshal. Brigade commanders in the active Army are Colonels (0-6), whereas, brigade commanders in the Reserve Components are Brigadier Generals (0-7). It was not at all unusual, when we had a major exercise that involved Reserve Components, for me to have one of more BGs (fellow MP brigade commanders) report to me as the 8th Army and/or USFK Provost Marshal. Most had no issue with it, although there were a couple of instances where I had to get my boss, a 3-star, involved.

I spent 2 1/2 yrs as an HQs Co. 1SG as an E7 with 3 E8s on the battalion staff. Even though I was their 1SG, there were not technically underneath me as they all worked for a Staff Officer who was equal or higher rank then the Co. Cdr. However, for organizational missions, training, I was in charge. There were no issues as we all knew our rolls. If was a unit affair, formations, training, ranges, etc they fell in and supported.

I would think that in your position, it would be pretty much the same, they are not below you, however they are subordinate to your boss! If all understand their roll and work toward mission accomplishment, shouldn't be any problems. However if there are, take it to your boss (their boss) and let him handle it! I would think that neither you nor the O-5s would want him to feel he could not depend on all of you to focus on the mission and duty first.

It the same dilemma that an HHC commander has. He is in command of the company that the BN/BDE commander and primary staff are assigned, yet they all outrank him. I think the key is determining exactly what your authority covers and stick to it. Obviously you cannot rate those individuals, but if you are supervising those O-5's, ensure you are meeting with their rater regularly for feedback.