Military of the United States

Organization

Under the United States Constitution, the President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Related Topics:
United States Constitution - President of the United States - Commander-in-Chief

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To coordinate military action with diplomatic action, the President has an advisory National Security Council.

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Under the President is the United States Secretary of Defense, a Cabinet Secretary responsible for the Department of Defense.

Related Topics:
United States Secretary of Defense - Cabinet - Department of Defense

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Both the President and Secretary are advised by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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In accordance with the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 (which fundamentally changed the organisation of the Department) the 4 Service Chiefs together with the Chairman and Vice Chairman form the Joint Chiefs of Staff. However operational control flows from the President and Secretary of Defense to the Commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands. (see Goldwater-Nichols Act) Each service is responsible for providing military units to the commanders of the various Unified Commands.

Related Topics:
Goldwater-Nichols Act - Chairman - Vice Chairman - Joint Chiefs of Staff - Unified Combatant Command

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National Command organizational chart