Who is the Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

The Commander in Chief of the U.S. military is the President. This role is established by the U.S. Constitution, which grants the President authority over the nation's armed forces. This constitutional provision emphasizes the President's responsibility for national defense and military operations, as well as for setting defense policy.

The President's role as Commander in Chief means they have the power to make critical decisions about military strategy, command military operations, and ultimately decide how to respond to threats. While the Secretary of Defense, Vice President, and Chief of Staff play significant roles in matters of defense and military strategy, the ultimate authority and responsibility rest with the President. This hierarchy underscores the importance of civilian control over the military, which is a foundational principle in the governance of the United States.