The Secretary of the AF operates under the authority of whom?

The correct answer is that the Secretary of the Air Force operates under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (SecDef). The Secretary of the Air Force is a civilian leader who oversees the Department of the Air Force and provides policy direction to the Air Force and the Air National Guard. This role is critical in ensuring that the Air Force aligns with the overall defense strategy established by the Secretary of Defense, who oversees all branches of the U.S. military.

Operating under the authority of the SecDef emphasizes the hierarchical structure within the U.S. military and the chain of command that connects the President to the various branches of the armed forces. The Secretary of Defense, being a member of the President's Cabinet, provides the principal support and advice to the President in directing military operations and defense policies.

While the President of the United States is ultimately the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, the daily operations and management of the military, including the Air Force, are delegated to the Secretary of Defense. This structure allows for an organized approach to defense management and ensures that military decisions are made efficiently and effectively.

The National Security Council plays a role in shaping national security policies but does not directly manage the operations of the military branches, while the Director of the Air National Guard