The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS)

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) is the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and serves as a key advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. The CJCS does not have direct command over troops but provides strategic guidance, helps coordinate the different branches of the military, and ensures plans and policies are aligned. The role is primarily advisory, focused on integrating military efforts and offering expert insights to support national security decisions.