Hello everyone! I'm researching the military as a possible path after high school. I've often wondered, who is ultimately in charge of all the military branches in the US?
The ultimate authority in charge of all six branches of the United States military is the President of the United States, often referred to as the Commander-in-Chief. This designation indicates the President's highest authority in the military command structure.
Nonetheless, it's important to note that the Department of Defense, led by the Secretary of Defense, handles the day-to-day operations and decisions of the military. Below the Secretary are the heads of each military branch: the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of the Air Force, Secretary of the Space Force, Commandant of the Coast Guard, and the Secretary of the National Guard, the last two of which report both to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense.
This layered structure ensures checks and balances and promotes smooth operation among the different branches. The details of this structure and command can provide useful context if you're considering a future in the military.
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