Commander-in-Chief

:For the television series, see Commander-in-Chief (TV series).

Related Topics:
Television - Commander-in-Chief (TV series)

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Commander-in-Chief is the commander of all the military forces within a particular region or of all the military forces of a state. As a practical term it refers to the military competencies which reside in a nation-state's head of state or government; a given country's Commander-in-Chief need not be or have been a commissioned officer or even a veteran.

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The term "commander-in-chief" was first used by King Charles I of England in 1639. A nation's head of state usually holds the position of national commander-in-chief, even if effective executive power is held by a separate head of government. Colonial governors are also often appointed commander-in-chief of the military forces in their colonies. In NATO lingo commander-in chief is often abbreviated to C-in-C or CINC pronounced "sink."

Related Topics:
King Charles I of England - 1639 - Head of state - Head of government - NATO

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Below the national commander-in-chief are often appointed various regional commanders-in-chief. For example, at the start of the Second World War the Royal Navy had no fewer than nine Commanders-in-Chief, from Commander-in-Chief Portsmouth to Commander-in-Chief China Station. Such local commanders-in-chief usually have full decision-making authority.

Related Topics:
Second World War - Royal Navy

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NATO has also established various commands-in-chief, e.g. Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces North, Commander-in-Chief East Atlantic, etc.

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The United States has abolished all local commands-in-chief from 2002.

Related Topics:
United States - 2002

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