In the chain of command, what is the operational flow?

• A. POTUS → SECDEF → CCDRs (mil ops)
• B. POTUS → CJCS → CCDRs
• C. POTUS → SecDef → service chiefs
• D. POTUS → Congress → CCDRs

Answer: (A)

In the operational flow, the President, as Commander in Chief, directs military operations through the Secretary of Defense, who then gives direction to the Combatant Commanders who actually carry out the missions. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the senior military advisor and helps coordinate efforts, but does not have operational command authority over forces. That’s why the valid sequence is President → Secretary of Defense → Combatant Commanders (military operations).

Flows that place the Chairman in the direct command link or send orders through service chiefs or Congress aren’t consistent with how operational command is structured. The Chairman advises and facilitates joint actions, service chiefs oversee their branches, and Congress is a legislative body, not part of the chain of command.