Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President serves as the Commander in Chief of the military, a position outlined in the U.S. Constitution. This role grants the President the authority to oversee the armed forces and make critical decisions regarding military operations and strategy. As Commander in Chief, the President is responsible for national defense and has the power to deploy troops, though significant military actions often require congressional approval. This constitutional provision underscores the executive branch's role in ensuring the security of the nation while also maintaining a system of checks and balances in military affairs.

In contrast, Congress holds the power to declare war and control military funding, ensuring that no single branch can unilaterally engage in prolonged military action without legislative oversight. The Vice President and the Secretary of Defense play important roles within the military hierarchy and national security framework, but they do not have the ultimate authority that the President does as Commander in Chief.