Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) is the highest-ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces. Appointed by the President, the CJCS serves as the main military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. They oversee the coordination among the different branches of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard—to ensure effective defense strategies and operations. While the CJCS does not have direct command over troops, their role is crucial in shaping military policy and ensuring unified efforts in national defense.