Who is directly above Combatant Commanders in the operational chain of command?

Who is directly above Combatant Commanders in the operational chain of command?

• A. The Secretary of Defense.
• B. The President.
• C. The Joint Chiefs of Staff.
• D. The Secretary of the Army.

Answer: (A)

In the operational chain of command, civilian leadership sits between the President and the combatant forces. The Secretary of Defense is the direct superior to the Combatant Commanders, exercising authority on behalf of the President. The Joint Chiefs of Staff provide military advice but do not command forces, and the Secretary of the Army is a service secretary under the Secretary of Defense, not the direct superior to combatant commands. So the person directly above Combatant Commanders is the Secretary of Defense.

In the operational chain of command, civilian leadership sits between the President and the combatant forces. The Secretary of Defense is the direct superior to the Combatant Commanders, exercising authority on behalf of the President. The Joint Chiefs of Staff provide military advice but do not command forces, and the Secretary of the Army is a service secretary under the Secretary of Defense, not the direct superior to combatant commands. So the person directly above Combatant Commanders is the Secretary of Defense.