Who outranks all officers of the Armed Forces and acts as a principal military advisor?

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the highest-ranking military officer in the Armed Forces, effectively outranking all other military officers. This position is crucial as the Chairman acts as a principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. The Chairman's responsibilities include providing strategic guidance, overseeing military operations, and coordinating efforts across the various branches of the military. As the senior military officer, the Chairman plays a key role in advising on matters of national defense and military strategy, ensuring that military operations are aligned with national policy and objectives.

Other positions such as the Secretary of Defense and the Vice Chairman also hold significant responsibilities within the military structure, but the Chairman's role is unique in providing an overarching military perspective and leadership across all services. The Commander of US Forces, while holding authority in specific operational contexts, does not possess the same level of influence or rank as the Chairman, who operates at the strategic level for the entire United States military.