Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the second-highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, after the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff works closely with the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior Department of Defense officials, such as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Vice Chairman also interacts with other high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Additionally, the Vice Chairman may work with international partners, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.

● History of

the Position The position of Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was established by the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, which aimed to improve the joint operations of the United States Armed Forces. The first Vice Chairman was General Robert T. Herres, who served from 1987 to 1990. Since then, the position has been held by notable individuals, including Admiral William A. Owens, General Joseph Ralston, and General James E. Cartwright. The Vice Chairman has played a crucial role in shaping the national security strategy of the United States, working closely with the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Vice Chairman has also been involved in key international events, including the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War.

● Responsibilities and Duties

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has a range of responsibilities, including assisting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out his duties, serving as the Joint Requirements Oversight Council chairman, and overseeing the Joint Staff. The Vice Chairman also plays a key role in the development of the National Military Strategy, working closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other senior officials, such as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Additionally, the Vice Chairman may represent the Joint Chiefs of Staff at international meetings, such as the NATO Military Committee and the Shangri-La Dialogue, and interact with foreign leaders, including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Chancellor of Germany.

● Selection and Appointment

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate. The selection process typically involves a nomination by the President, followed by a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. The Vice Chairman must be a four-star general or admiral with significant experience in joint operations and national security affairs. Notable examples of Vice Chairmen include General Paul J. Selva, who served as the Vice Chairman from 2015 to 2019, and General John E. Hyten, who served as the Vice Chairman from 2019 to 2021. The Vice Chairman may also work closely with other senior officials, including the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

● List of Vice Chairmen

The following individuals have served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: General Robert T. Herres (1987-1990), Admiral William A. Owens (1994-1996), General Joseph Ralston (1996-2000), General Richard B. Myers (2000-2001), General Peter Pace (2001-2005), General James E. Cartwright (2007-2011), Admiral James A. Winnefeld Jr. (2011-2015), General Paul J. Selva (2015-2019), and General John E. Hyten (2019-2021). These individuals have played important roles in shaping the national security strategy of the United States, working closely with the National Security Council, the Department of State, and other agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

● Role

in the Chain of Command The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff plays a critical role in the chain of command of the United States Armed Forces. The Vice Chairman reports directly to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and works closely with the Secretary of Defense and other senior Department of Defense officials. The Vice Chairman also interacts with the Combatant Commanders, such as the Commander of United States Central Command and the Commander of United States Pacific Command, and with other senior officials, including the Chief of Staff of the United States Army and the Chief of Naval Operations. The Vice Chairman may also work with international partners, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, to coordinate joint operations and national security efforts.

● Authorities and Accountability

The Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has significant authorities and responsibilities, including overseeing the Joint Staff and serving as the Joint Requirements Oversight Council chairman. The Vice Chairman is also accountable to the Congress of the United States, particularly the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, for the joint operations and national security efforts of the United States Armed Forces. The Vice Chairman may testify before Congress on key issues, such as the National Defense Authorization Act and the National Military Strategy, and interact with other senior officials, including the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. The Vice Chairman must also work closely with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other senior officials to ensure the effective implementation of national security policies and joint operations. Category:United States Joint Chiefs of Staff