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 U.S. Constitution. This role grants the President the authority to lead the Armed Forces, which includes making critical decisions regarding military operations, national defense, and wartime strategies. This constitutional authority is significant because it establishes civilian control over the military, which is a fundamental principle in American governance, ensuring that the military is subordinate to elected civilian leadership.

The Vice President does not hold command over the military; their role is primarily to support the President and act as a key advisor. The Secretary of Defense oversees the Department of Defense and implements the President's military policies but does not hold the ultimate command authority. Congress has the power to declare war and fund military actions but does not command the military forces directly. Hence, the President, as Commander in Chief, has the responsibility to make executive decisions necessary for national security and military operations.