Where does the operational chain of command run from the President?

The operational chain of command originates with the President, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. From the President, the chain leads directly to the Secretary of Defense. This role is crucial, as the Secretary of Defense oversees the Department of Defense and serves as the primary military advisor to the President. Once the authority passes to the Secretary of Defense, it continues to the Combatant Commanders who are responsible for conducting operations in their respective areas of responsibility.

This progression emphasizes the structure of military command and control, ensuring that operational decisions are communicated effectively from the highest level of political leadership down to the leaders executing military operations. It highlights the importance of the Secretary of Defense as the key link in the chain, facilitating direction and coordination across different branches and ensuring unified action in military operations. The options that divert from this established chain either introduce components that do not fit within the operational command structure or misplace the responsibilities of various officials.