(including manpower, logistic, and mobility support)
and assesses the effect of such deficiencies and
strengths on meeting national security objectives and
policy and on strategic plans. He or she establishes and
maintains a uniform system for evaluating the
preparedness of each unified combatant command to
carry out assigned missions. The chairman advises the
SECDEF on the priorities of the requirements
identified by the commanders of the unified combatant
commands. He or she determines the extent to which
program recommendations and budget proposals of
the military departments and other DoD components
for a fiscal year conform to priorities established in
requirements of the unified combatant commands. He
or she is responsible for submitting to the SECDEF
alternative program recommendations and budget
proposals, with guidance provided by the SECDEF, to
achieve greater conformance with priorities
established by the unified combatant commands. The
chairman also advises the SECDEF on the extent to
which major programs and policies of the armed forces
in the area of manpower conform to strategic plans and
assesses military requirements for defense acquisition
programs. Additionally, the chairman:
Formulates doctrine and training policies and
coordinates military education and training
Represents the United States on the Military
Staff Committee of the United Nations
Performs such other duties as may be prescribed
by law or by the President and the SECDEF
Convenes and presides over regular meetings of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Assists the Joint Chiefs in carrying on their
business as promptly as practicable
Schedules issues for consideration by the Joint
Chiefs
The chairman, while so serving, holds the grade of
general or admiral and outranks all other officers of the
armed forces. The vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs
performs duties assigned by the chairman, with the
approval of the SECDEF. The vice chairman acts as
chairman when there is a vacancy in the office of the
chairman or in the absence or disability of the
chairman. The vice chairman, while so serving, holds
the grade of general or admiral and outranks all other
officers of the armed forces except the chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Joint Staff under the chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff assists the chairman and, subject to the
authority of the chairman, the other members of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out their
responsibilities. The Joint Staff is headed by a director
who is selected by the chairman in consultation with
the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and with
the approval of the SECDEF. Officers assigned to serve
on the Joint Staff are selected by the chairman in
approximate equal numbers from the Army, Navy,
Marine Corps, and Air Force. The Joint Staff is
composed of all members of the armed forces and
civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent
duty to perform the functions assigned to the chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Unified Combatant Commands
The unified combatant commands are military
commands with broad continuing missions for
maintaining the security and defense of the United
States against attack; supporting and advancing the
national policies and interests of the United States and
discharging U.S. military responsibilities in their area
of responsibility; and preparing plans, conducting
operations, and coordinating activities of the forces
assigned to them in accordance with the directives of
higher authority. The unified combatant commands are
part of a military Unified Command Plan subject to the
direction of the President. The commanders of the
unified combatant commands exercise command
authority over forces assigned to them under the
authority, direction, and control of the SECDEF, also
subject to direction of the President. The latest change
to the Unified Command Plan, signed by President
Clinton September 30, 1999, changed missions and
replaced the U.S. Atlantic Command with the U.S.
Joint Forces Command. The change also included the
mission to assist civil authorities in the event of an
attack or accident involving weapons of mass
destruction and to strengthen the United States’ ability
to counter cyberwarfare. The operational chain of
command runs from the President to the SECDEF to
the commanders of the unified combatant commands.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff functions
within the chain of command by transmitting to the
commanders of the unified combatant commands the
orders of the President or the SECDEF. Subject to the
authority, direction, and control of the SECDEF, the
chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the
spokesman for the commanders of the unified
combatant commands, especially on the operational
requirements of their commands. The unified
combatant commands are as follows:
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