the Secretaries of the Military Departments and then to the Service Chiefs
Joint Chiefs of Staff
True
These commands, known as Unified Combatant Commands, are established by combatant commanders and authorized by the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They are responsible for conducting military operations across broad geographical areas or functional domains on a continuous basis. Each command integrates personnel and resources from multiple branches of the armed forces to achieve strategic objectives and ensure national security. Their operations are designed to be flexible and responsive to emerging threats and challenges.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff is part of the Executive Branch of the United States government. Its parent agency is the US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.
Although there is wide cooperation (occasionally not) between US law enforcement agencies, there is no nationwide chain-of-command which exercises control over them. Every department is an agency of the executive branch of government of whatever jurisdiction they are formed under. Internally, most departments follow a more-or-less semi-military internal chain of command with a Chief at the top, and then (in descending order) Assistant Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Majors, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, Officers. Some department designate the differences in ranks using other terminology (Superintendents instead of Chiefs - Senior Officers or Privates First Class, etc.) but basically the majority of law enforcement agencies follow this model.
Individually, chiefs, executives, officers. Collectively, Chief Executive Officers
The approving authority for joint doctrine is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). The CJCS oversees the development and approval process for joint doctrine, ensuring it aligns with the needs of the U.S. military and supports unified operations. Ultimately, the doctrine is coordinated among the Joint Staff, combatant commands, and other stakeholders before receiving final approval.
Combatant commanders
The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) report to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense. They serve as the principal military advisors to these leaders, providing strategic military advice and guidance. While they do not have operational command authority, their recommendations can significantly influence military policy and decision-making.
The US national security authority for NATO is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
true