Who is the principal military advisor to the President and the National Security Council?

The principal military advisor to the President and the National Security Council is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This individual holds a vital role in providing military advice and strategy, ensuring that the civil leadership is informed about military matters and options. The Chairman is the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and represents the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which consists of the heads of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

This position is crucial because the Chairman is responsible for coordinating and integrating military policy and strategy and translating military capabilities into actionable plans for national defense. They do not engage in direct command of forces but serve as a bridge between military leadership and civilian policymakers, ensuring that military insights inform national security decisions. This advisory role emphasizes the importance of civilian control of the military while harnessing expert military perspectives to guide strategic planning and execution.