By statute, the chain of command runs from the President through the SecDef to whom?

• A. Combatant Commanders
• B. Chief Master Sergeant
• C. Service Secretaries
• D. Joint Chiefs of Staff

Answer: (A)

The chain of command, as established by statute, specifically runs from the President through the Secretary of Defense to the appropriate military leaders who are responsible for executing military operations. Combatant Commanders fall directly under the Secretary of Defense and are tasked with overseeing and commanding military operations within their assigned theaters.

This structure ensures that orders originate at the highest level of government and are directed to those actively involved in military operations, maintaining a clear line of authority and accountability. While the other options relate to components of military structure, they do not represent the direct line of command as established by military regulations. For instance, Service Secretaries manage the respective services but do not directly receive orders from the Secretary of Defense in the operational chain.