What role does the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff play in the preparation of the Unified Command Plan?

The role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the preparation of the Unified Command Plan primarily involves assisting the Secretary of Defense. The Unified Command Plan outlines the missions, responsibilities, and geographic areas of responsibility for unified combatant commands.

The Chairman serves as the principal military advisor to the Secretary of Defense and is responsible for ensuring that the plan is comprehensive and based on strategic assessments. This collaboration with the Secretary of Defense is essential for aligning military strategy with national defense objectives.

While the Chairman may contribute to the development of military strategies and can provide insights into potential military operations or directives to the branches of service, their central function in this context is to provide assistance and advisory support to the Secretary, ensuring that the Unified Command Plan reflects both strategic military considerations and the directives of civilian leadership.