Who serves as the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President serves as the Commander in Chief of the military as established by the Constitution of the United States. This role grants the President the authority to command all armed forces, make strategic military decisions, and oversee military operations. The intention behind designating the President in this capacity is to ensure civilian control of the military, which is an essential principle of democratic governance.

This authority encompasses not only active duty military personnel but also the National Guard when called into federal service. The President is supported in their duties by military advisors, including the Secretary of Defense, but ultimately, all military orders and strategies are directed by the President. This structure reinforces the idea that military power should be accountable to elected leaders rather than military officials, thereby maintaining the balance of power within the government.