Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), a U.S. government military advisory body, originated informally in 1942 during World War II as the U.S. component of the Combined Chiefs of Staff to coordinate Allied efforts, and was formally established by the National Security Act of 1947. Comprising the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and service chiefs from Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and National Guard Bureau, it serves as principal military adviser to the President, National Security Council, and Secretary of Defense. Key activities include strategic planning, policy formulation for joint training, reviewing armed forces requirements, and providing counsel on national security without operational command authority per the 1953 amendment and Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986. Notable achievements encompass WWII coordination, postwar reorganization, and enduring advisory role in U.S. defense strategy. Currently active under the Department of Defense at the Pentagon.