Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

The President serves as the Commander in Chief of the military, which is established by the U.S. Constitution in Article II, Section 2. This role grants the President authority over the armed forces, including decisions about military operations, deployment of troops, and overall military strategy. The position is designed to ensure that the military is under civilian control, which is a fundamental principle of American democracy. This structure is crucial for maintaining a balance between military and civilian leadership, preventing any single individual or group from wielding excessive power over the military forces. While other figures, such as the Vice President and the Secretary of Defense, play significant roles in defense policy and military operations, they do not hold the ultimate command authority that the President does.