Who serves as the Commander-in-chief of the military?

The President serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the military, a role explicitly defined in the U.S. Constitution. This position grants the President ultimate authority over the nation's armed forces, allowing them to make key military decisions, direct military operations, and ensure national security. The importance of this role lies in the balance of power, whereby the President, as an elected official, is accountable to the public and Congress for military actions, aligning military objectives with national policy and democratic oversight.

The Vice President, while an influential figure within the government, does not hold any military command authority. Similarly, the Secretary of Defense is responsible for the administration and execution of military policies and operations but serves under the President's command. The Chief Justice oversees the judicial system and does not possess any military authority. Thus, the President's role as Commander-in-Chief underscores the integration of civilian leadership within military governance, ensuring accountability and decision-making aligned with civilian leadership principles.