Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

• A. The Secretary of Defense
• B. The President of the United States
• C. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
• D. The National Security Advisor

Answer: (B)

The President of the United States serves as the Commander in Chief. This role means civilian leadership has the ultimate authority over the armed forces, including decisions on strategy, deployments, and the use of military force. The President sets the policy direction and issues orders, while day-to-day operations are carried out through the Department of Defense and the military chain of command. The Secretary of Defense runs the department and implements the President’s policies but does not directly command troops. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the senior military adviser to the President and the Secretary of Defense and does not command forces. The National Security Advisor advises on policy and coordination but does not command the military.