Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who holds the final command authority in the U.S. Armed Forces?
Who holds the final command authority in the U.S. Armed Forces?
- Combatant Commanders
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- U.S. President (correct)
- Secretary of Defense
What is the primary purpose of the chain of command in the U.S. Armed Forces?
What is the primary purpose of the chain of command in the U.S. Armed Forces?
- To consolidate power within the legislative branch
- To allow the military to operate independently from the President
- To ensure all orders come from the Secretary of Defense
- To establish levels of responsibility for command, control, and communication (correct)
Through which individual does the U.S. President communicate with the Combatant Commanders according to the Goldwater-Nichols Act?
Through which individual does the U.S. President communicate with the Combatant Commanders according to the Goldwater-Nichols Act?
- Secretary of Defense
- Secretary of the Navy
- Chief of Staff
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (correct)
What is the responsibility of each level in the chain of command in relation to higher and lower levels?
What is the responsibility of each level in the chain of command in relation to higher and lower levels?
Which branch of the government does the U.S. President primarily serve as head of?
Which branch of the government does the U.S. President primarily serve as head of?
Flashcards
Command Authority
Command Authority
The power to give orders and make decisions within a military organization.
Commander in Chief
Commander in Chief
The highest level of command authority in the US Armed Forces, held by the President of the United States.
Chain of Command
Chain of Command
The established line of authority and communication within the military, from top to bottom.
Civilian Control of the Military
Civilian Control of the Military
Signup and view all the flashcards
Checks and Balances
Checks and Balances
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
Command Authority
- Command authority defines the hierarchy of responsibility for military command, control, and communication.
- This structure originates from civilian leadership of the military.
- Responsibility descends from the President through the Secretary of Defense to military branches and commanders.
- Each level is accountable to higher levels and responsible for lower ones.
Commander in Chief
- The U.S. President, as Commander in Chief, holds ultimate command authority.
- Presidential power is balanced by checks and balances from other branches of government.
Chain of Command
- The chain of command extends from the President to Combatant Commanders for assigned forces.
- For forces not assigned to Combatant Commanders, the chain goes to the military department's secretaries.
- Administrative control usually still flows through the service branch.
- The Goldwater-Nichols Act allows communication through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with Presidential authorization.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
