Who is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff?

• A. General Kenneth S. Wilsbach
• B. General Dan Caine
• C. The Honorable Frank Kendall III
• D. The Honorable Pete Hegseth

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is understanding who holds the top uniformed position and what that role entails. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the highest-ranking military officer and serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. This person chairs the Joint Chiefs of Staff and coordinates military advice across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force. Importantly, the Chairman does not command troops directly; that operational command rests with the Combatant Commanders, under civilian control.

The person occupying this role currently is General Charles Q. Brown Jr., a four-star general from the U.S. Air Force, who assumed the chair in 2023. Among the names listed, the one that aligns with the profile of the top military advisor would be the best match for this role, while the others do not fit that position.