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Who is the Commander-In-Chief of the US Military?

G. Wiesen
G. Wiesen

The commander-in-chief of the US military at any given time is the president of the United States. This is established in the US Constitution, though in the past other high ranking military officials have also used the title “commander-in-chief” to refer to their position as commander of large operations. In 2002, however, it was declared that only the president of the US would use that title. The president is established as the commander-in-chief to create a central command structure in case of military action, with a chain of command running from the president to the secretary of defense and then to the combatant commanders.

In the US, the commander-in-chief of the US military is appointed by the Constitution. Article II of the US Constitution establishes the basic structure of the executive branch of the US government, and outlines some of the basic powers and responsibilities that the head of that branch has. Section 2 of Article II establishes presidential powers, and the first clause of that section indicates that the US President “shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States.”

A portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States and commander-in-chief of the US military.
A portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States and commander-in-chief of the US military.

This enumeration of powers established the president as the commander-in-chief for the US, and this has been upheld since the drafting of the Constitution. The exact nature of the role of the president as the commander-in-chief can depend on the president and the approach he or she takes to this power. Some presidents, such as Abraham Lincoln and Lyndon Johnson, have rigidly controlled military actions during times of war, while other presidents have trusted military leaders to handle operations.

The U.S. Constitution appoints the commander-in-chief.
The U.S. Constitution appoints the commander-in-chief.

The title “commander-in-chief” has always been used by the US president, but other military commanders within the US military have often used the title as well. It was historically seen as an appropriate title for any high ranking commander that had other military officers within his or her command. In 2002, however, then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced the term would be used exclusively by the president. Other high ranking military officials would no longer be referred to as commanders-in-chiefs (CINCs), but the top commanders of various combatant commands would be referred to as combatant commanders.

Members of the armed forces salute the commander-in-chief.
Members of the armed forces salute the commander-in-chief.

A combatant commander is a top ranking military officer for a combatant command, with each command part of the Unified Combatant Command that makes up the top ranks of the US military. These various commands are typically charged with operations in a particular geographic region or a certain aspect of military operations such as special operations or transportation. The various combatant commanders are directly under the secretary of defense, who is the head of the Department of Defense and is appointed by and reports directly to the president.

Discussion Comments

wiesen

There is a great deal of ongoing controversy regarding the remarks made by Army Judge Lind. Ultimately, the comments made by an Army Judge do not override the established precedent that the president is Commander in Chief.

anon137621

If this is true. then how come during the recent trial of Army Lt. Col. Lakin, Army Judge Lind made a determination that the president is not in a military member's chain of command. Please explain clearly and concisely, as there are many current and former military personnel who do not understand her action.

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    • A portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States and commander-in-chief of the US military.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      A portrait of George Washington, the first president of the United States and commander-in-chief of the US military.
    • The U.S. Constitution appoints the commander-in-chief.
      By: klikk
      The U.S. Constitution appoints the commander-in-chief.
    • Members of the armed forces salute the commander-in-chief.
      By: daughter
      Members of the armed forces salute the commander-in-chief.
    • Abraham Lincoln was commander-in-chief of union forces during the U.S. Civil War.
      By: Wendy Kaveney
      Abraham Lincoln was commander-in-chief of union forces during the U.S. Civil War.
    • President Lyndon Johnson was known for his rigid control of the military during wartime.
      By: John W. Schulze
      President Lyndon Johnson was known for his rigid control of the military during wartime.