Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)

Subject to the authority of the president and the defense secretary, the chairman of the JSC is responsible for:

* assisting the president and the defense secretary in providing for the strategic direction and planning of the Armed Forces;

* allocating resources to fulfill strategic plans;

* making recommendations for the assignment of responsibilities within the Armed Forces in accordance with and in support of those logistic and mobility plans;

* comparing the capabilities of American and allied forces with those of potential adversaries;

* preparing and reviewing contingency plans that conform to policy guidance from the president and the defense secretary;

* preparing joint logistic and mobility plans to support contingency plans; and

* recommending assignment of logistic and mobility responsibilities to the armed forces to fulfill logistic and mobility plans.

The chairman, while so serving, holds the grade of general or admiral and outranks all other officers of the armed forces. The vice chairman performs duties assigned by the chairman, with the approval of the defense secretary. The vice chairman acts as chairman when there is a vacancy in the office of the chairman, or in the absence or disability of the chairman. The vice chairman, while so serving, holds the grade of general or admiral and outranks all other officers of the armed forces except the chairman of the JSC.

The Joint Staff, under the chairman of the JSC, assists the chairman and the other members of the JSC in carrying out their responsibilities. The Joint Staff is headed by a director who is selected by the chairman in consultation with the other members of the JSC and with the approval of the defense secretary. Officers assigned to serve on the Joint Staff are selected by the chairman in approximate equal numbers from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.

Through the J2 of the Joint Staff, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) operates the 24/7 National Military Joint Intelligence Center (NMJIC), which is co-located with the National Military Command Center. The NMJIC provides real-time indications and warning of breaking situations and serves as the national focal point for crisis intelligence support to military operations. During a crisis or contingency, DIA establishes intelligence task forces, working groups or dedicated cells in the NMJIC to closely monitor unfolding events.