Who are the statutory advisers to the National Security Council?

The statutory advisers to the National Security Council are the Director of National Intelligence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS). This is established by law to ensure that the Council operates with the most accurate and comprehensive information regarding intelligence and military matters.

The Director of National Intelligence provides the President and the National Security Council with a unified view of intelligence activities and assessments from across various agencies, ensuring that decision-makers have access to the most pertinent information related to national security. The CJCS, as the highest-ranking military officer, offers strategic military advice and ensures that military considerations are integrated into policy decisions made by the Council.

This dual advisory role is critical, as it combines both intelligence and military perspectives, which are essential for formulating effective national security strategies. The combination fosters a holistic approach to national security issues, making the advice provided to the President grounded in both current military capabilities and intelligence assessments.