He or she is indirectly elected by an electoral college to a maximum of two four-year terms. Located in Ohio and commanded by General Arnold W. Bunch Jr., the Air Force Material Command develops technology and handles testing and evaluation of weapon systems. Your email address will not be published. Typically, a Colonel heads an Air Force Group. Everyone in the military has a chain of command. There are two chains of command: operational and administrative. These topics, whether large or small, only affect the Marine Corps. Department of Military Science 106 Military Science Building Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Telephone: 225-578-2371 Fax: 225-578-3560. Under the umbrella of the Department of the Army are four Army Commands. Furthermore, General David W. Allvin is the current Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Also, USARSOUTH handles security and other activities and national Armies in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The full list is below. It includes the Army, Navy, the Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, the Unified combatant commands, U.S. elements of multinational commands (such as NATO and NORAD ), as well as non-combat agencies such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. What it is and how to develop it fully through being Stew Smith and LTC Nick Barringer (USA) PhD in Nutrition / Dietitian / CSCS discuss nutrition for joint health New Year - New Habits! Legal Statement. The Secretary of Defense is a defense policymaker, and he oversees the Defense Department. Command Senior Enlisted Advisor: Command Sergeant Major Robert V. Abernethy, Deputy Commander, USNORTHCOM: Lieutenant General, Command Senior Enlisted Leader: Sergeant Major, United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) (, US Army North / US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) (, Marine Corps National Capital Region Command (MCNCRC) (, JTF North (formerly JTF 6) and other JTFs, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Naval Surface Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, Naval Submarine Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, Naval Air Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, Joint Intelligence Training Activity Pacific, Deputy Commander, USSOUTHCOM: Lieutenant General, Command Sergeant Major, USSOUTHCOM: Command Sergeant Major Benjamin Jones, USA, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment (Soto Cano AB, Honduras), 56th Signal Battalion (Fort Sam Houston, TX), Air Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force, Southern Surveillance Reconnaissance Operations Center, Joint Task Force Guantanamo (Guantanamo Bay, Cuba), Joint Task Force Bravo (Soto Cano AB, Honduras), 111th Ordnance Group (AL ARNG) (Ft Gillem, GA), Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) (Ft Polk, LA), 81st Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Fort Jackson, SC), 88th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Fort McCoy, WI), 300th Military Police Command (USAR) (Inkster, MI), 303rd Ordnance Group (USAR) (Springfield, IL), 88th Regional Readiness Group (USAR) (Indianapolis, IN), 89th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Wichita, KS), 917th Corps Support Group (USAR) (Belton, MO), 326th Area Support Group (USAR) (Kansas City, KS), 648th Area Support Group (USAR) (St Louis, MO), 90th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Little Rock AFB, AR), 90th Regional Support Group (USAR) (San Antonio, TX), 94th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) Devens RFTA, MA (inactivated; number assigned to the 94th Division (Force Sustainment), Fort Lee, VA), 167th Area Support Group (USAR) (Manchester, NH (Deployed to Iraq)), 96th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Ft Douglas, UT), 99th Regional Readiness Command (USAR) (Moon Township, PA), 367th Military Police Group (USAR) (Ashley, PA), 38th Ordnance Group (USAR) (Charleston, WV), 475th Quartermaster Group (Petroleum & Water) (USAR) (Farrell, PA), 656th Area Support Group (USAR) (NAS Willow Grove, PA), 309th Medical Group (USAR) (Rockville, MD), 99th Headquarters Brigade (USAR) (Willow Grove, PA), 926th Fighter Wing (AFRes) (OA/A-10A) (NAS New Orleans JRB, TX), Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group / Carrier Strike Group 2 (CARSTRKGRU 2) (, Harry S. Truman Strike Group / Carrier Strike Group 10 (CARSTRKGRU 10) (, John F. Kennedy Strike Group / Carrier Strike Group 6 (CARSTRKGRU 6) (, Eisenhower Strike Group / Carrier Strike Group 8 (CARSTRKGRU 8) (, Enterprise Strike Group / Cruiser Strike Group 12 (CARSTRKGRU 12) (, Carrier Strike Group 14 (CARSTRKGRU 14) (NB Norfolk, VA), Task Force 21 (2nd Fleet Patrol Reconnaissance Force) / Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Atlantic Fleet (PATRECONFORLANT) (NS Norfolk, VA), Task Force 22 (2nd Fleet Amphibious Force) / Amphibious Group 2 (PHIBGRU 2) (NB Norfolk, VA), Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group / Expeditionary Strike Group 6 / Amphibious Squadron 8 (PHIBRON 8) (, Saipan Expeditionary Strike Group / Expeditionary Strike Group 4 / Amphibious Squadron 2 (PHIBRON 2) (, Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group / Expeditionary Strike Group 2 / Amphibious Squadron 4 (PHIBRON 4) (, Naval Coastal Warfare Group Two (Williamsburg, VA), Tactical Air Control Group 2 (TACGRU 2) (NAB Little Creek, VA), Naval Beach Group 2 (NAVBEACHGRU 2) (NB Norfolk, VA? Examples would include anything from purchasing new tanks to establishing rules for the use of tuition assistance. The power of the Secretary of Defense authority in the chain of command is second only to the POTUS. The Secretary of the Army is a civilian with the Department of Defense responsible for everything related to the Army. The military chain of command is such an integral part of military life that you'll be required to memorize your basic training chain of command within the first week or two of arrival. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Further, the Act gives the Secretary of Defense wide latitude to assign the Chairman oversight responsibilities for the Unified Combatant Commanders' activities. Also, the chain of command works to clarify issues and answer questions from down the chain of command. [3] The Secretary's principal deputy is the equally civilian Deputy Secretary of Defense who is delegated full powers to act for the Secretary of Defense. When you are new to your unit, it is wise to memorize your chain of Command. The following is an incomplete list of the various major military units, commands, and DOD offices and agencies, including civilian and military chains of command. Operation Military Kids was founded to be a resource for teens and young adults who are interested in joining the military, but don't know where to begin. National Security Council Consists of the president, vice-president, secretary of state and secretary of defense Serves as the principal forum for considering national security issues requiring presidential decisions The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff serves as military adviser to the Council; the CIA is the intelligence adviser The secretary of the treasury, the U.S. representative to the United Nations, the assistant to the president for national security affairs, the assistant to the president for economic policy and the president's chief of staff are invited to all meetings. Each is led by a service secretary, who is below Cabinet rank. There are several different kinds of studying methods when it comes to preparing for the Navy-Wide Advancement Exam. Also, a wing has an operations, support, medical, and maintenance group. The attorney general and the director of the office of national drug control policy attend meetings pertaining to their jurisdiction. The President of the United States is, according to the Constitution, the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces and Chief Executive of the Federal Government. Also, this position requires mentoring of non-commissioned officers and advising unit commanders and all senior officers. The combatant commanders then have authority over the commanders of the various military branches. Unified and Specified Operations "Unified Commands" consist of elements from two or more services placed under a single commander who exercises operational control over the forces assigned to him. On 1 March 2003 the Secretary of Defense lost Executive Agent responsibilities for the National Communications System, which was moved to the Department of Homeland Security. Organizational structure of the United States Department of Defense, Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, (including Defense Agencies and DoD Field Activities), Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986, Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Operational Test and Evaluation Directorate, Assistant Secretary of Defense (Sustainment), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Nuclear, Chemical & Biological Defense Programs), Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities), Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs), Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict), Assistant Secretary of 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Forces Radio and Television Service, Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense, Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, Assistant Secretary (Financial Management and Comptroller), Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller), Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations and Environment), Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisitions), Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition), Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Financial Management & Comptroller), Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Installations, Environment & Logistics), Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower & Reserve Affairs), General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 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for Defense Intelligence (Intelligence Strategy, Programs & Resources), Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cross Functional Team (EMSO CFT), Latin America and the Caribbean excluding Mexico and Puerto Rico. Diversity Statement The Executive Director is Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera. The Chief of Staff of the Army is a position held by General James C. McConville. American forces participating in combined operations are subject to command arrangements and authorities established by international agreement between the participating nations. The United States has stared down many threats with President Jack Ryan at the helm, but what if he's not there when we need him? Furthermore, the Commanding officer is Lieutenant General Stephen G. Fogarty. Often, the Numbered Air Forces are assigned according to a geographical assignment. The chain of command is used to issue orders (downward) and to ask for clarification and resolve problems (upward). The presidential election takes place on the second Tuesday of November of every fourth year. Within these unified and specified organizations, each military department (Army, Navy and Air Force) retains responsibility for administration and logistical support of its assigned forces under the directive authority of the CINC. The current command and control architecture for DOD is a product of these congressionally mandated changes. Required fields are marked *. The operational chain of command, he noted, runs from the President through the Secretary of Defense down to the military ranks, and is defined in substantial part by statute in addition to . Commanders of Combatant Commands The Combatant Commands (COCOMs) are located all over the world. Related Article Marine Corps Chain of Command. Each DoD Field Activity operates under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, through a Principal Staff Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The NCS was finally disestablished in 2012. This positions responsibilities include advocating for the needs of enlisted members of the Army. "Chain of Command" usually refers to the list of those who are directly above you in seniority, all the way up to the highest rank in your respective nation. Usually, a Major General or Lieutenant General commands a Numbered Air Force. Secretaries are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. It includes the Army, Navy, the Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, the Unified combatant commands, U.S. elements of multinational commands (such as NATO and NORAD), as well as non-combat agencies such as the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Any veteran will tell you that -- in retrospect -- basic training is physically demanding but actually not as hard as it Get the scoop on discounts and latest award-winning military content. Operational chain of command: Chain of command starts with the President, runs through the Sec. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics. Forces Azores (USAFORAZ) (Lajes Field, Azores), Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 10:12, "List of components of the U.S. Department of Defense", Learn how and when to remove this template message, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, General Counsel of the Department of Defense, Inspector General of the Department of Defense, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology), Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works), Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy and Environment), Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, United States Army Special Operations Command, Military Surface Deployment 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Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, United States Naval Forces Southern Command, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) / 9th Army Signal Command, 72nd Field Artillery Brigade "Warrior Eagle", 155th Armored Brigade (Enhanced Readiness), United States Marine Corps Forces Command, Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (Airborne) - Delta, Joint Task Force-Global Network Operations, "Functions of the Department of Defense and Its Major Components", "U.S. Department of Defense Organization Chart", http://www.usar.army.mil/arweb/organization/commandstructure/USARC/TNG/80Tng/Commands/94div/News/Pages/20081216.aspx, https://www.secnav.navy.mil/doni/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.2229%20(19).pdf, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_components_of_the_U.S._Department_of_Defense&oldid=1140280204, Under Secretary of Defense Comptroller/Chief Financial Officer, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), Director for Program Analysis and Evaluation, Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Technology), Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Material Readiness), Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Nuclear and Chemical and Biological Defense Programs), Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition Reform), Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Advanced Systems and Concepts), Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security), Deputy 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Evaluation), Operational Plans and Interoperability (J-7), Force Structure Resources and Assessment (J-8), Deputy Under Secretary of the Army for Business Transformation, Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Office, Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Financial Management and Comptroller), United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command, United States Army Intelligence and Security Command, United States Army Test and Evaluation Command, United States Army Criminal Investigation Command, United States Army Military District of Washington, United States Army Acquisition Support Center, Deputy Chief of Staff (Manpower/Personnel) (G-1), Army Chief of Staff for Installation Management, Deputy Chief of Staff (Programs/Financial Management) (G-8), Deputy Chief of Staff (Intelligence) (G-2), Deputy Chief of Staff (Plans, Operations and Transformation) (G-3/5/7), United States Army Installation Management 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Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analysis.