— — — — — Provide, as directed, such military forces, military missions, and detachments for service in foreign countries as may be necessary to support the national interest of the United States. Aid in training and equipping the military forces of foreign nations. Provide, as directed, administrative and logistics  support  to  the  headquarters of unified and specified combatant com- mands. This includes direct support of the development and acquisition of the com- mand and control systems of such head- quarters. Aid each other in the accomplishment of their respective functions. This includes the provisions  of  personnel,  intelligence, training, facilities, equipment, supplies, and services. Prepare and submit, in coordination with other military departments, mobilization information to the JCS. THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF (JCS) The Joint Chiefs of Staff consists of the Chairman; the Chief of Staff, U.S. Army; the Chief of Naval Operations; the Chief of Staff, U.S. Air Force; and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The JCS gets support from the Joint Staff. Collectively, the JCS and the Joint Staff are the immediate military staff of the SECDEF. The Chairman of the JCS is the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security  Council,  and  the  SECDEF.  Other members of the JCS are military advisors who may provide additional information upon request from the President, the National Security Council, or the SECDEF. They may also submit their advice when it does not agree with that of the Chairman. Subject  to  the  authority  of  the  President and the SECDEF, the Chairman, JCS, has the following responsibilities: — Aiding the President and the SECDEF in providing for the strategic direction and planning of the armed forces — — — — — — Assigning resources to fulfill strategic plans Making recommendations for the assign- ment of responsibilities within the armed forces by and in support of those logistics and mobility plans Comparing the capabilities of American and  allied  armed  forces  with  those  of potential adversaries Preparing and reviewing contingency plans that conform to policy guidance from the President and the SECDEF Preparing joint logistics and mobility plans to support contingency plans Recommending assignment of logistics and mobility responsibilities to the armed forces to fulfill logistics and mobility plans The Chairman also advises the SECDEF on critical deficiencies and strengths in force capabilities and assesses the effect of such deficiencies and strengths on meeting national security goals and meeting strategic plans policies. He sets up and maintains a uniform system for checking the preparedness of each unified and specified  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 and specified combatant commands on and to the extent to which  program  recommendations  and  budget proposals  of  the  military  conform  with  set priorities. He is responsible for submitting to the Secretary alternative program recommendations and budget proposals. Additionally, the Chairman, JCS, has the following responsibilities: — — — — Formulating doctrine and training policies and coordinating military education and training Representing the United States on the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations Performing such other duties as prescribed by the President and the SECDEF Convening  and  presiding  over  regular meetings of the JCS 1-4