CHAPTER 5—JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
151.
Joint Chiefs of Staff: composition; functions.
152.
Chairman: appointment; grade and rank.
156.
Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
A prior chapter 5 related to Joint Chiefs of Staff, prior to the general revision of this chapter by Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1004, consisted of sections 141 to 143 as follows:
Section 141, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 6; Aug. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–599, §7, 72 Stat. 519; Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–651, title II, §204, 76 Stat. 519; Oct. 20, 1978, Pub. L. 95–485, title VIII, §807, 92 Stat. 1622, provided for composition and functions of Joint Chiefs. See section 151 of this title.
Section 142, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 7; Sept. 7, 1962, Pub. L. 87–649, §14c(1), 76 Stat. 501; Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–525, title XIII, §1301(b), 98 Stat. 2611, provided for appointment and duties of Chairman of Joint Chiefs. See sections 152 and 153 of this title.
Section 143, acts Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 7; Aug. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–599, §5(a), 72 Stat. 517; Oct. 19, 1984, Pub. L. 98–525, title XIII, §1301(c), 98 Stat. 2611, provided for a Joint Staff. See section 155 of this title.
Amendments
2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102, struck out item 155a "Assistants to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard matters and Reserve matters".
2013—Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §511(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1718, added item 155a.
2008—Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title X, §1061(a)(2), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4612, inserted period at end of item 156.
Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §543(e)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 115, added item 156.
1987—Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(b)(1)(B), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175, substituted "grade and rank" for "rank" in item 152.
1986—Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1005, amended chapter 5 heading and analysis generally, substituting items 151–155 for items 141–143.
§151. Joint Chiefs of Staff: composition; functions
(a) Composition.—There are in the Department of Defense the Joint Chiefs of Staff, headed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Joint Chiefs of Staff consist of the following:
(1) The Chairman.
(2) The Vice Chairman.
(3) The Chief of Staff of the Army.
(4) The Chief of Naval Operations.
(5) The Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
(6) The Commandant of the Marine Corps.
(7) The Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
(8) The Chief of Space Operations.
(b) Function as Military Advisers.—(1) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense.
(2) The other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are military advisers to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense as specified in subsection (d).
(c) Consultation by Chairman.—(1) In carrying out his functions, duties, and responsibilities, the Chairman shall, as necessary, consult with and seek the advice of—
(A) the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
(B) the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands.
(2) Subject to subsection (d), in presenting advice with respect to any matter to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman shall, as he considers appropriate, inform the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense, as the case may be, of the range of military advice and opinion with respect to that matter.
(d) Advice and Opinions of Members Other Than Chairman.—(1) After first informing the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman, the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, individually or collectively, in their capacity as military advisors, may provide advice to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense on a particular matter on the judgment of the military member.
(2) A member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (other than the Chairman) may submit to the Chairman advice or an opinion in disagreement with, or advice or an opinion in addition to, the advice presented by the Chairman to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense. If a member submits such advice or opinion, the Chairman shall present the advice or opinion of such member at the same time he presents his own advice to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense, as the case may be.
(3) The Chairman shall establish procedures to ensure that the presentation of his own advice to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense is not unduly delayed by reason of the submission of the individual advice or opinion of another member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
[(e) Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(a)(2)(C), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2351.]
(f) Recommendations to Congress.—After first informing the Secretary of Defense, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may make such recommendations to Congress relating to the Department of Defense as he considers appropriate.
(g) Meetings of JCS.—(1) The Chairman shall convene regular meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(2) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the President and the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman shall—
(A) preside over the Joint Chiefs of Staff;
(B) provide agenda for the meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (including, as the Chairman considers appropriate, any subject for the agenda recommended by any other member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff);
(C) assist the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying on their business as promptly as practicable; and
(D) determine when issues under consideration by the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be decided.
(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1005; amended Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §911(a), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title IX, §908(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3403; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title V, §512(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1393; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2351; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §953(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1564.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (a)(8). Pub. L. 116–92 added par. (8).
2016—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(a)(2)(A), substituted "subsection (d)" for "subsections (d) and (e)".
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(a)(1), substituted "as necessary" for "as he considers appropriate" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(a)(2)(B), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as (2) and (3), respectively.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(a)(2)(C), struck out subsec. (e) which required members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to provide advice on request to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense.
2011—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 112–81 added par. (7).
2006—Subsecs. (b), (c)(2), (d), (e). Pub. L. 109–163 inserted "the Homeland Security Council," after "the National Security Council," wherever appearing.
1992—Subsec. (a)(2) to (6). Pub. L. 102–484 added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) to (5) as (3) to (6), respectively.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §953(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1564, provided that the amendment made by section 953(c) is effective on the date that is one year after Dec. 20, 2019.
§152. Chairman: appointment; grade and rank
(a) Appointment; Term of Office.—(1) There is a Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from the officers of the regular components of the armed forces. The Chairman serves at the pleasure of the President for a term of four years, beginning on October 1 of an odd-numbered year. The limitation does not apply in time of war.
(2) In the event of the death, retirement, resignation, or reassignment of the officer serving as Chairman before the end of the term for which the officer was appointed, an officer appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve as Chairman only for the remainder of the original term, but may be reappointed as provided in paragraph (1).
(3) The President may extend to eight years the combined period of service of an officer as Chairman and Vice Chairman if the President determines that such action is in the national interest. The limitation in this paragraph does not apply in time of war.
(b) Requirement for Appointment.—(1) The President may appoint an officer as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff only if the officer has served as—
(A) the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff;
(B) the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the Chief of Space Operations; or
(C) the commander of a unified or specified combatant command.
(2) The President may waive paragraph (1) in the case of an officer if the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest.
(c) Grade and Rank.—The Chairman, while so serving, holds the grade of general, in the case of the Navy, admiral, or, in the case of an officer of the Space Force, the equivalent grade, and outranks all other officers of the armed forces. However, he may not exercise military command over the Joint Chiefs of Staff or any of the armed forces.
(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1006; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(b)(1)(A), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2351; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(7)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(7)(A)(i), which directed substitution of "the Commandant of the Marine Corps, or the Chief of Space Operations" for "or the Commandant of the Marine Corps" in subpar. (C), was executed by making the substitution in subpar. (B), to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(7)(A)(ii), which directed substitution of ", in the case of the Navy, admiral, or, in the case of an officer of the Space Force, the equivalent grade," for "or, in the case of the Navy, admiral", was executed by making the substitution for "or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, admiral", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(b)(1)(A), substituted "four years, beginning on October 1 of an odd-numbered year. The limitation does not apply in time of war." for "two years, beginning on October 1 of odd-numbered years. Subject to paragraph (3), an officer serving as Chairman may be reappointed in the same manner for two additional terms. However, in time of war there is no limit on the number of reappointments."
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(b)(1)(B), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "An officer may not serve as Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff if the combined period of service of such officer in such positions exceeds six years. However, the President may extend to eight years the combined period of service an officer may serve in such positions if he determines such action is in the national interest. The limitations of this paragraph do not apply in time of war."
1987—Pub. L. 100–180 substituted "grade and rank" for "rank" in section catchline.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2351, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2019, and shall apply to individuals appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on or after that date."
§153. Chairman: functions
(a) Planning; Advice; Policy Formulation.—Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the President and the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be responsible for the following:
(1) Strategic direction.—Assisting the President and the Secretary in providing for the strategic direction of the armed forces.
(2) Strategic and contingency planning.—In matters relating to strategic and contingency planning—
(A) developing strategic frameworks and preparing strategic plans, as required, to guide the use and employment of military force and related activities across all geographic regions and military functions and domains, and to sustain military efforts over different durations of time, as necessary;
(B) advising the Secretary on the production of the national defense strategy required by section 113(g) of this title and the national security strategy required by section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043);
(C) preparing military analysis, options, and plans, as the Chairman considers appropriate, to recommend to the President and the Secretary;
(D) providing for the preparation and review of contingency plans which conform to policy guidance from the President and the Secretary; and
(E) preparing joint logistic and mobility plans to support national defense strategies and recommending the assignment of responsibilities to the armed forces in accordance with such plans.
(3) Global military integration.—In matters relating to global military strategic and operational integration—
(A) providing advice to the President and the Secretary on ongoing military operations; and
(B) advising the Secretary on the allocation and transfer of forces among geographic and functional combatant commands, as necessary, to address transregional, multi-domain, and multifunctional threats.
(4) Comprehensive joint readiness.—In matters relating to comprehensive joint readiness—
(A) evaluating the overall preparedness of the joint force to perform the responsibilities of that force under national defense strategies and to respond to significant contingencies worldwide;
(B) assessing the risks to United States missions, strategies, and military personnel that stem from shortfalls in military readiness across the armed forces, and developing risk mitigation options;
(C) advising the Secretary on critical deficiencies and strengths in joint force capabilities (including manpower, logistics, and mobility support) identified during the preparation and review of national defense strategies and contingency plans and assessing the effect of such deficiencies and strengths on meeting national security objectives and policy and on strategic plans;
(D) advising the Secretary on the missions and functions that are likely to require contractor or other external support to meet national security objectives and policy and strategy, and the risks associated with such support; and
(E) establishing and maintaining, after consultation with the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands, a uniform system of evaluating the preparedness of each such command, and groups of commands collectively, to carry out missions assigned to the command or commands.
(5) Joint capability development.—In matters relating to joint capability development—
(A) identifying new joint military capabilities based on advances in technology and concepts of operation needed to maintain the technological and operational superiority of the armed forces, and recommending investments and experiments in such capabilities to the Secretary;
(B) performing military net assessments of the joint capabilities of the armed forces of the United States and its allies in comparison with the capabilities of potential adversaries;
(C) advising the Secretary under section 163(b)(2) of this title on the priorities of the requirements identified by the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands;
(D) advising the Secretary on the extent to which the program recommendations and budget proposals of the military departments and other components of the Department of Defense for a fiscal year conform with the priorities established in national defense strategies and with the priorities established for the requirements of the unified and specified combatant commands;
(E) advising the Secretary on new and alternative joint military capabilities, and alternative program recommendations and budget proposals, within projected resource levels and guidance provided by the Secretary, in order to achieve greater conformance with the priorities referred to in subparagraph (D);
(F) assessing joint military capabilities and identifying, approving, and prioritizing gaps in such capabilities to meet national defense strategies, pursuant to section 181 of this title; and
(G) recommending to the Secretary appropriate trade-offs among life-cycle cost, schedule, performance, and procurement quantity objectives in the acquisition of materiel and equipment to support the strategic and contingency plans required by this paragraph in the most effective and efficient manner.
(6) Joint force development activities.—In matters relating to joint force development activities—
(A) developing doctrine for the joint employment of the armed forces;
(B) formulating policies and technical standards, and executing actions, for the joint training of the armed forces;
(C) formulating policies for coordinating the military education of members of the armed forces;
(D) formulating policies for development and experimentation on both urgent and long-term concepts for joint force employment, including establishment of a process within the Joint Staff for analyzing and prioritizing gaps in capabilities that could potentially be addressed by joint concept development using existing or modified joint force capabilities;
(E) formulating policies for gathering, developing, and disseminating joint lessons learned for the armed forces; and
(F) advising the Secretary on development of joint command, control, communications, and cybercapability, including integration and interoperability of such capability, through requirements, integrated architectures, data standards, and assessments.
(7) Other matters.—In other matters—
(A) recommending to the Secretary, in accordance with section 166 of this title, a budget proposal for activities of each unified and specified combatant command;
(B) providing for representation of the United States on the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and
(C) performing such other duties as may be prescribed by law or by the President or the Secretary.
(b) National Military Strategy.—
(1) National military strategy.—(A) The Chairman shall determine each even-numbered year whether to prepare a new National Military Strategy in accordance with this paragraph or to update a strategy previously prepared in accordance with this paragraph. The Chairman shall provide such National Military Strategy or update to the Secretary of Defense in time for transmittal to Congress pursuant to paragraph (3), including in time for inclusion in the report of the Secretary of Defense, if any, under paragraph (4).
(B) Each National Military Strategy (or update) under this paragraph shall be based on a comprehensive review conducted by the Chairman in conjunction with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands. Each update shall address only those parts of the most recent National Military Strategy for which the Chairman determines, on the basis of the review, that a modification is needed.
(C) Each National Military Strategy (or update) submitted under this paragraph shall describe how the military will support the objectives of the United States as articulated in—
(i) the most recent National Security Strategy prescribed by the President pursuant to section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043);
(ii) the most recent annual report of the Secretary of Defense submitted to the President and Congress pursuant to section 113 of this title;
(iii) the most recent national defense strategy presented by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 113 of this title;
(iv) the most recent policy guidance provided by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 113(g) of this title; and
(v) any other national security or defense strategic guidance issued by the President or the Secretary of Defense.
(D) At a minimum, each National Military Strategy (or update) submitted under this paragraph shall—
(i) assess the strategic environment, threats, opportunities, and challenges that affect the national security of the United States;
(ii) assess military ends, ways, and means to support the objectives referred to in subparagraph (C);
(iii) provide the framework for the assessment by the Chairman of military risk, and for the development of risk mitigation options;
(iv) develop military options to address threats and opportunities;
(v) assess joint force capabilities, capacities, and resources; and
(vi) establish military guidance for the development of the joint force and the total force building on guidance by the President and the Secretary of Defense as referred to in subparagraph (C).
(2) Risk assessment.—(A) The Chairman shall prepare each year an assessment of the risks associated with the most current National Military Strategy (or update) under paragraph (1). The risk assessment shall be known as the "Risk Assessment of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff". The Chairman shall complete preparation of the Risk Assessment in time for transmittal to Congress pursuant to paragraph (3), including in time for inclusion in the report of the Secretary of Defense, if any, under paragraph (4).
(B) The Risk Assessment shall do the following:
(i) As the Chairman considers appropriate, update any changes to the strategic environment, threats, objectives, force planning and sizing constructs, assessments, and assumptions that informed the National Military Strategy (or update) required by this section.
(ii) Identify and define the military strategic risks to United States interests and military risks in executing the National Military Strategy (or update).
(iii) Identify and define levels of risk, including an identification of what constitutes "significant" risk in the judgment of the Chairman.
(iv)(I) Identify and assess risk in the National Military Strategy (or update) by category and level and the ways in which risk might manifest itself, including how risk is projected to increase, decrease, or remain stable over time; and
(II) for each category of risk, assess the extent to which current or future risk increases, decreases, or is stable as a result of budgetary priorities, tradeoffs, or fiscal constraints or limitations as currently estimated and applied in the current future-years defense program under section 221 of this title.
(v) Identify and assess risk associated with the assumptions or plans of the National Military Strategy (or update) about the contributions of external support, as appropriate.
(vi) Identify and assess the critical deficiencies and strengths in force capabilities (including manpower, logistics, intelligence, and mobility support) identified during the preparation and review of the contingency plans of each unified combatant command, and identify and assess the effect of such deficiencies and strengths for the National Military Strategy (or update).
(vii) Identify and assess risk resulting from, or likely to result from, current or projected effects on military installation resilience.
(3) Submittal of national military strategy and risk assessment to congress.—(A) Not later than February 15 of each even-numbered year, the Chairman shall, through the Secretary of Defense, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the National Military Strategy or update, if any, prepared under paragraph (1) in such year.
(B) Not later than February 15 each year, the Chairman shall, through the Secretary of Defense, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the Risk Assessment prepared under paragraph (2) in such year.
(C) The National Military Strategy (or update) and Risk Assessment submitted under this subsection shall be classified in form, but shall include an unclassified summary.
(4) Secretary of defense reports to congress.—(A) In transmitting a National Military Strategy (or update) or Risk Assessment to Congress pursuant to paragraph (3), the Secretary of Defense shall include in the transmittal such comments of the Secretary thereon, if any, as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(B) If the Risk Assessment transmitted under paragraph (3) in a year includes an assessment that a risk or risks associated with the National Military Strategy (or update) are significant, or that critical deficiencies in force capabilities exist for a contingency plan described in paragraph (2)(B)(vi), the Secretary shall include in the transmittal of the Risk Assessment the plan of the Secretary for mitigating such risk or deficiency. A plan for mitigating risk of deficiency under this subparagraph shall—
(i) address the risk assumed in the National Military Strategy (or update) concerned, and the additional actions taken or planned to be taken to address such risk using only current technology and force structure capabilities; and
(ii) specify, for each risk addressed, the extent of, and a schedule for expected mitigation of, such risk, and an assessment of the potential for residual risk, if any, after mitigation.
(c) Annual Report on Combatant Command Requirements.—(1) Not later than 25 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, the Chairman shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the requirements of the combatant commands established under section 161 of this title.
(2) Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
(A) A consolidation of the integrated priority lists of requirements of the combatant commands.
(B) The Chairman's views on the consolidated lists.
(C) A description of the extent to which the most recent future-years defense program (under section 221 of this title) addresses the requirements on the consolidated lists.
(D) A description of the funding proposed in the President's budget for the next fiscal year, and for the subsequent fiscal years covered by the most recent future-years defense program, to address each deficiency in readiness identified during the joint readiness review conducted under section 117 of this title for the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
(d) Briefing Requirement.—(1) Not later than 15 days after the submission of the risk assessment required under subsection (b)(2) or March 1 of each even-numbered year, whichever is earlier, the Chairman shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the activities of the Chairman under this section.
(2) The briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A) a detailed review of the risk assessment required under paragraph (2) of subsection (b), including how such risk assessment addresses the elements required in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph;
(B) an analysis of how the risk assessment informs and supports other Joint Staff assessments, including joint capability development assessments, joint force development assessments, comprehensive joint readiness assessments, and global military integration assessments; and
(C) if the risk assessment is not delivered at or before the time of the briefing, a timeline for when the risk assessment will be submitted to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1007; amended Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1033, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 751; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title IX, §905], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-226; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title IX, §921(b), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1198; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(1), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2649; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title IX, §903, title X, §1043(b)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1558, 1610; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §820(b), title IX, §941, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1501, 1548; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §845(b), title IX, §§951(a), 952, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1848, 1891, 1892; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title IX, §905, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 817; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(c)(2), (g)(3), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3508, 3511; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title IX, §901, title X, §1081(a)(3), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 956, 1000; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §§921(c), 943, title X, §1064(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2351, 2369, 2409; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(8), (d)(10), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1594, 1600; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title IX, §§912, 913, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1923; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title III, §311(c), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1626; Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title X, §1041(c), Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 388.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2023—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–31 added subsec. (d).
2021—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(vii). Pub. L. 117–81 added cl. (vii).
2018—Subsec. (a)(6)(D). Pub. L. 115–232, §912, amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "formulating policies for concept development and experimentation for the joint employment of the armed forces;".
Subsec. (b)(1)(D)(iii). Pub. L. 115–232, §913(1), substituted "military risk" for "military strategic and operational risks".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–232, §913(2), substituted "military strategic risks to United States interests and military risks in executing the National Military Strategy (or update)" for "military strategic and operational risks to United States interests and the military strategic and operational risks in executing the National Military Strategy (or update)".
2017—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(d)(10), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 114–328, §921(c). See 2016 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(8), in introductory provisions, inserted colon after "the following".
2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(c), as amended by Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(d)(10), amended the text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) related to Chairman's functions of planning, advice, and policy formulation.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) consisted of subpars. (A) to (F) and related to national military strategy.
Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(1), substituted "in the report" for "of the report" in third sentence.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(2)(A), inserted "(or update)" after "National Military Strategy" wherever appearing.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(2)(B), substituted "military strategic and operational risks to United States interests and the military strategic and operational risks in executing the National Military Strategy (or update)." for "strategic risks to United States interests and the military risks in executing the missions of the National Military Strategy (or update)."
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(2)(C), struck out "distinguishing between the concepts of probability and consequences" after "levels of risk".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(2)(D), struck out "most" before "current future-years defense program".
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(b)(2)(E), substituted "of external support, as appropriate." for "or support of—
"(I) other departments and agencies of the United States Government (including their capabilities and availability);
"(II) alliances, allies, and other friendly nations (including their capabilities, availability, and interoperability); and
"(III) contractors."
Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 114–328, §943(c), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §1064(c), substituted "Not later than 25 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31" for "At or about the time that the budget is submitted to Congress for a fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31".
2015—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 114–92, §1081(a)(3), substituted "Joint Force Development Activities" for "Joint force development activities" in heading.
Subsec. (a)(5)(F). Pub. L. 114–92, §901, added subpar. (F).
2014—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–291, §1071(g)(3), amended Pub. L. 113–66, §905(b). See 2013 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(1)(C)(i). Pub. L. 113–291, §1071(c)(2), substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3043)" for "(50 U.S.C. 404a)".
2013—Subsec. (a)(3)(F). Pub. L. 112–239, §845(b), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (a)(4)(F), (G). Pub. L. 112–239, §951(a), added subpars. (F) and (G) and struck out former subpar. (F) which read as follows: "Assessing military requirements for defense acquisition programs."
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 113–66, §905(b), as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, §1071(g)(3), which directed substitution of "Joint force development activities" for "Doctrine, Training, and education" in heading, was executed by making the substitution for "Doctrine, Training, and Education" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Subsec. (a)(5)(B). Pub. L. 113–66, §905(a)(1), inserted "and technical standards, and executing actions," after "policies".
Subsec. (a)(5)(C). Pub. L. 113–66, §905(a)(2), struck out "and training" after "education".
Subsec. (a)(5)(D), (E). Pub. L. 113–66, §905(a)(3), added subpars. (D) and (E).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–239, §952(a), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) related to risks under National Military Strategy.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239, §952(b), struck out subsec. (d) which related to biennial review of National Military Strategy.
2011—Subsec. (a)(3)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 112–81, §820(b)(1), added subpar. (C) and redesignated former subpars. (C) and (D) as (D) and (E), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(4)(E). Pub. L. 112–81, §820(b)(2), inserted "and contractor support" after "area of manpower".
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 112–81, §941(1), substituted "assessment of—" for "assessment of the nature and magnitude of the strategic and military risks associated with executing the missions called for under the current National Military Strategy." and added subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §941(2), inserted "or that critical deficiencies in force capabilities exist for a contingency plan," after "National Military Strategy is significant," and "or deficiency" before period at end.
Subsec. (d)(2)(I). Pub. L. 112–81, §820(b)(3)(A), added subpar. (I).
Subsec. (d)(3)(B). Pub. L. 112–81, §820(b)(3)(B), substituted "the levels of support from allies and other friendly nations, and the levels of contractor support" for "and the levels of support from allies and other friendly nations".
2003—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–136, §903(b), substituted "of each odd-numbered year" for "each year".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–136, §1043(b)(2), in par. (1), substituted "congressional defense committees" for "committees of Congress named in paragraph (2)", designated the second sentence of par. (1) as par. (2), in par. (2), substituted "Each report under paragraph (1)" for "The report", and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The committees of Congress referred to in paragraph (1) are the Committees on Armed Services and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and House of Representatives."
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–136, §903(a), added subsec. (d).
2002—Pub. L. 107–314 inserted subsec. (a) heading and redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), respectively.
2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §921(b)(1), struck out "(a) Planning; Advice; Policy Formulation.—" before "Subject to the authority".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107, §921(b)(2), struck out heading and text of subsec. (b) which read as follows:
"(b) Report on Assignment of Roles and Missions.—(1) Not less than once every three years, or upon the request of the President or the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report containing such recommendations for changes in the assignment of functions (or roles and missions) to the armed forces as the Chairman considers necessary to achieve maximum effectiveness of the armed forces. In preparing each such report, the Chairman shall consider (among other matters) the following:
"(A) Changes in the nature of the threats faced by the United States.
"(B) Unnecessary duplication of effort among the armed forces.
"(C) Changes in technology that can be applied effectively to warfare.
"(2) The Chairman shall include in each such report recommendations for such changes in policies, directives, regulations, and legislation as may be necessary to achieve the changes in the assignment of functions recommended by the Chairman."
2000—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title IX, §905(b)], substituted "At or about the time that the budget is submitted to Congress for a fiscal year under section 1105(a) of title 31," for "Not later than August 15 of each year," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title IX, §905(a)], added subpars. (C) and (D).
1999—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 106–65 added subsecs. (c) and (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2017 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(d), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1599, provided that the amendment made by section 1081(d)(10) is effective as of Dec. 23, 2016, and as if included in Pub. L. 114–328 as enacted.
Effective Date of 2014 Amendment
Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(g), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3511, provided that the amendment made by section 1071(g)(3) is effective as of Dec. 26, 2013, and as if included in Pub. L. 113–66 as enacted.
Termination of Reporting Requirements
For termination, effective Dec. 31, 2021, of provisions in subsec. (c) of this section requiring submittal of annual report to Congress, see section 1061 of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 111 of this title.
Inclusion of Assessment of Joint Military Training and Force Allocations in Quadrennial Defense Review and National Military Strategy
Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title III, §348, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1375, provided that: "The assessments of the National Military Strategy conducted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under section 153(b) of this title [sic; probably means Title 10, Armed Forces], and the quadrennial roles and missions review pursuant to [former] section 118b of this title [sic], shall include an assessment of joint military training and force allocations to determine—
"(1) the compliance of the military departments with the joint training, doctrine, and resource allocation recommendations promulgated by the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and
"(2) the effectiveness of the Joint Staff in carrying out the missions of planning and experimentation formerly accomplished by Joint Forces Command."
Common Measurement of Operations Tempo and Personnel Tempo
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title III, §326, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1679, provided that:
"(a) Means for Measurement.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall, to the maximum extent practicable, develop (1) a common means of measuring the operations tempo (OPTEMPO) of each of the Armed Forces, and (2) a common means of measuring the personnel tempo (PERSTEMPO) of each of the Armed Forces. The Chairman shall consult with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in developing those common means of measurement.
"(b) PERSTEMPO Measurement.—The measurement of personnel tempo developed by the Chairman shall include a means of identifying the rate of deployment for individual members of the Armed Forces in addition to the rate of deployment for units."
Annual Assessment of Force Readiness
Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title III, §376, Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1637, provided for an annual assessment of readiness and capability of the Armed Forces by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be submitted to Congress not later than March 1 of each of 1994, 1995, and 1996 and for interim assessments between annual submissions in the event of a significant change in readiness or capability of the Armed Forces.
Report of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff on Roles and Missions of Armed Forces
Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §901, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2469, provided for the Secretary of Defense to transmit to Congress a copy of the first report relating to the roles and missions of the Armed Forces that was submitted by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under subsec. (b) of this section after Jan. 1, 1992, and directed the Chairman to include in the report comments and recommendations.
Transition Provisions
Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §204(a), (b), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1011, provided dates for establishment of the uniform system of evaluating the preparedness of each unified and specified combatant command and for submission of the first report.
§154. Vice Chairman
(a) Appointment.—(1) There is a Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from the officers of the regular components of the armed forces.
(2) The Chairman and Vice Chairman may not be members of the same armed force. However, the President may waive the restriction in the preceding sentence for a limited period of time in order to provide for the orderly transition of officers appointed to serve in the positions of Chairman and Vice Chairman.
(3) The Vice Chairman serves at the pleasure of the President for a single term of four years, beginning on October 1 of an odd-numbered year, except that the term may not begin in the same year as the term of a Chairman. In time of war, there is no limit on the number of reappointments.
(4)(A) The Vice Chairman shall not be eligible for promotion to the position of Chairman or any other position in the armed forces.
(B) The President may waive subparagraph (A) if the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest.
(b) Requirement for Appointment.—(1) The President may appoint an officer as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff only if the officer—
(A) has the joint specialty under section 661 of this title; and
(B) has completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as defined in section 664(f) 1 of this title) as a general or flag officer.
(2) The President may waive paragraph (1) in the case of an officer if the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest.
(c) Duties.—The Vice Chairman performs the duties prescribed for him as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Chairman with the approval of the Secretary of Defense.
(d) Function as Acting Chairman.—When there is a vacancy in the office of Chairman or in the absence or disability of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman acts as Chairman and performs the duties of the Chairman until a successor is appointed or the absence or disability ceases.
(e) Succession After Chairman and Vice Chairman.—When there is a vacancy in the offices of both Chairman and Vice Chairman or in the absence or disability of both the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, or when there is a vacancy in one such office and in the absence or disability of the officer holding the other, the President shall designate a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to act as and perform the duties of the Chairman until a successor to the Chairman or Vice Chairman is appointed or the absence or disability of the Chairman or Vice Chairman ceases.
(f) Grade and Rank.—The Vice Chairman, while so serving, holds the grade of general or, in the case of an officer of the Navy, admiral and outranks all other officers of the armed forces except the Chairman. The Vice Chairman may not exercise military command over the Joint Chiefs of Staff or any of the armed forces.
(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1008; amended Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title V, §519(a)(1), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1972; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §911(b)(1), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(d)(1), (2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2354.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 664(f) of this title, referred to in subsec. (b)(1)(B), was redesignated as section 664(d) of this title by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §510(g)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2111.
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(d)(1), substituted "for a single term of four years, beginning on October 1 of an odd-numbered year, except that the term may not begin in the same year as the term of a Chairman. In time of war, there is no limit on the number of reappointments." for "for a term of two years and may be reappointed in the same manner for two additional terms. However, in time of war there is no limit on the number of reappointments."
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §921(d)(2), added par. (4).
1992—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–484, §911(b)(1)(A), substituted "the duties prescribed for him as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and such other" for "such".
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 102–484, §911(b)(1)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f) which read as follows: "Participation in JCS Meetings.—The Vice Chairman may participate in all meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but may not vote on a matter before the Joint Chiefs of Staff except when acting as Chairman."
1988—Subsec. (b)(1)(B). Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as defined in section 664(f) of this title)" for "served in at least one joint duty assignment (as defined under section 668(b) of this title)".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §921(d)(3), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2354, provided that: "The amendments made by this subsection [amending this section] shall take effect on January 1, 2021, and shall apply to individuals appointed as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on or after that date."
Extension of Term of Office of Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Pub. L. 100–526, title I, §107, Oct. 24, 1988, 102 Stat. 2625, authorized President to extend until June 1, 1989, term of office of officer serving as Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff for term which began on Feb. 6, 1987.
Waiver of Qualifications for Appointment as Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §204(c), Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1011, authorized President, until Oct. 1, 1990, to waive certain requirements otherwise applicable for appointment of an officer as Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.
§155. Joint Staff
(a) Appointment of Officers to Joint Staff.—(1) There is a Joint Staff under the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Joint Staff assists the Chairman and, subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Chairman, the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out their responsibilities.
(2) Officers of the armed forces (other than the Coast Guard) assigned to serve on the Joint Staff shall be selected by the Chairman in approximately equal numbers from—
(A) the Army;
(B) the Navy and the Marine Corps; and
(C) the Air Force and the Space Force.
(3) Selection of officers of an armed force to serve on the Joint Staff shall be made by the Chairman from a list of officers submitted by the Secretary of the military department having jurisdiction over that armed force. Each officer whose name is submitted shall be among those officers considered to be the most outstanding officers of that armed force. The Chairman may specify the number of officers to be included on any such list.
(b) Director.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, after consultation with the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and with the approval of the Secretary of Defense, may select an officer to serve as Director of the Joint Staff.
(c) Management of Joint Staff.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff manages the Joint Staff and the Director of the Joint Staff. The Joint Staff shall perform such duties as the Chairman prescribes and shall perform such duties under such procedures as the Chairman prescribes.
(d) Operation of Joint Staff.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Joint Staff is independently organized and operated so that the Joint Staff supports the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in meeting the congressional purpose set forth in the last clause of section 2 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3002) to provide—
(1) for the unified strategic direction of the combatant forces;
(2) for their operation under unified command; and
(3) for their integration into an efficient team of land, naval, and air forces.
(e) Prohibition of Function as Armed Forces General Staff.—The Joint Staff shall not operate or be organized as an overall Armed Forces General Staff and shall have no executive authority. The Joint Staff may be organized and may operate along conventional staff lines.
(f) Tour of Duty of Joint Staff Officers.—(1) An officer who is assigned or detailed to permanent duty on the Joint Staff may not serve for a tour of duty of more than four years. However, such a tour of duty may be extended with the approval of the Secretary of Defense.
(2) In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may suspend from duty and recommend the reassignment of any officer assigned to the Joint Staff. Upon receipt of such a recommendation, the Secretary concerned shall promptly reassign the officer.
(3) An officer completing a tour of duty with the Joint Staff may not be assigned or detailed to permanent duty on the Joint Staff within two years after relief from that duty except with the approval of the Secretary.
(4) Paragraphs (1) and (3) do not apply—
(A) in time of war; or
(B) during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress.
(g) Composition of Joint Staff.—(1) The Joint Staff is composed of all members of the armed forces and civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the executive part of the Department of Defense to perform the functions and duties prescribed under subsections (a) and (c).
(2) The Joint Staff does not include members of the armed forces or civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent duty in a military department.
(h) Personnel Limitations.—(1) The total number of members of the armed forces and civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent duty for the Joint Staff may not exceed 2,250.
(2) Not more than 1,500 members of the armed forces on the active-duty list may be assigned or detailed to permanent duty for the Joint Staff.
(3) The limitations in paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply in time of war.
(4) Each limitation in paragraphs (1) and (2) may be exceeded by a number equal to 15 percent of such limitation in time of national emergency.
(Added Pub. L. 99–433, title II, §201, Oct. 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 1009; amended Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XIII, §1314(b)(2), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IX, §902, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1620; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title IX, §911(b)(2), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2473; Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §202(a)(8), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 101; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title X, §1071(c)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3508; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §903(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2344; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §901(a)(2)(A), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1541; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(7)(B), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3822.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "and the Space Force" after "the Air Force".
2019—Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "2,250" for "2,069".
2016—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsec. (h).
2014—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–291 substituted "(50 U.S.C. 3002)" for "(50 U.S.C. 401)" in introductory provisions.
1993—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–35 made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 102–484. See 1992 Amendment note below.
1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–484, as amended by Pub. L. 103–35, struck out "and the Vice Chairman" before "in carrying out".
1990—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 101–510 redesignated subsec. (h) as (g) and struck out former subsec. (g) which read as follows: "Limitation on Size of Joint Staff.—(1) Effective on October 1, 1988, the total number of members of the armed forces and civilian personnel assigned or detailed to permanent duty on the Joint Staff may not exceed 1,627.
"(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply—
"(A) in time of war; or
"(B) during a national emergency declared by the President or Congress."
1987—Subsec. (f)(4)(B). Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(b)(2)(A), inserted "or Congress" after "by the President".
Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–180, §1314(b)(2)(B), inserted "the President or" after "declared by".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §901(a)(2)(B), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1541, provided that: "The amendment made by subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect on December 31, 2019, immediately after the coming into effect of the amendment made by section 903(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2344) [amending this section], to which such amendments relate[.]"
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title IX, §903(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2344, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on December 31, 2019."
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–35, title II, §202(b), May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 102, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section, sections 1079, 1086a, 1174a, 1463, 2323, 2347, 2391, and 2410d of this title, and sections 5013 and 5113 of former Title 36, Patriotic Societies and Observances, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 664, 2350a, 2431, 2501, 2505, 10105, and 12681 of this title and section 5611 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade] shall apply as if included in the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 (Public Law 102–484)."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Establishment of Chairman's Controlled Activity Within Joint Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVI, §1627, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1734, provided that:
"(a) Chairman's Controlled Activity.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall—
"(1) undertake the roles, missions, and responsibilities of, and preserve an equal or greater number of personnel billets than the amount of such billets previously prescribed for, the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance of the United States Strategic Command; and
"(2) not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], establish an organization within the Joint Staff—
"(A) that is designated as the Joint Staff Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Directorate and Supporting Chairman's Controlled Activity;
"(B) for which the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall serve as the joint functional manager; and
"(C) that shall synchronize cross-combatant command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plans and develop strategies integrating all intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities provided by joint services, the National Reconnaissance Office, combat support intelligence agencies of the Department of Defense, and allies, to satisfy the intelligence needs of the combatant commands for the Department of Defense.
"(b) Lead Agent.—The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Secretary of the Air Force as the lead agent and sponsor for funding for the organization established under subsection (a)(2).
"(c) Data Collection and Analysis to Support ISR Allocation and Synchronization Processes.—In coordination with the Director of Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall issue guidance to the commanders of the geographical combatant commands that requires the commanders to collect sufficient and relevant data regarding the effectiveness of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance measures in a manner that will—
"(1) enable the standardized, objective evaluation and analysis of that data with respect to the use and effectiveness of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities provided to the commanders; and
"(2) support recommendations made by the organization established under subsection (a)(2) to the Secretary of Defense regarding the allocation of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance resources of the Department of Defense."
Increased Flexibility in Use of Funds for Joint Staff Exercises
Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1052, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2396, provided that:
"(a) In General.—Amounts available to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for joint staff exercises may be available for any expenses as follows:
"(1) Expenses of the Armed Forces in connection with such exercises, including expense relating to self-deploying watercraft under the jurisdiction of a military department.
"(2) Expenses relating to the costs of port support activities in connection with such exercises, including transportation and port handling.
"(3) Expenses relating to the breakout and operation of prepositioned watercraft and lighterage for joint logistics and over the shore exercises in connection with such exercises.
"(b) Supplement Not Supplant.—Any amounts made available by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under subsection (a) for expenses covered by that subsection are in addition to any other amounts available under law for such expenses."
Assistants to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard Matters and for Reserve Matters
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title IX, §901, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1853, as amended by Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title V, §515(h), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3237, which established the positions of Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard Matters and Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Reserve Matters within the Joint Staff, was repealed and restated as former section 155a of this title by Pub. L. 112–239, §511(a), (c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1717, 1718.
Section, added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title V, §511(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1717, related to Assistants to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard matters and Reserve matters.
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those formerly contained in this section were contained in Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title IX, §901, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1853, which was set out as a note under section 155 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–239, §511(c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Retention of Grade of Incumbents in Positions on Effective Date
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(tt), as added by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §506(a)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1374, provided that: "The grade of service of an officer serving as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016, see below] in a position whose statutory grade is affected by an amendment made by this section [see Tables for classification] may not be reduced after that date by reason of such amendment as long as the officer remains in continuous service in such position after that date."
[Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title V, §506(a)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1374, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [enacting section 502(tt) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out above] shall take effect as of December 23, 2016, and be treated as if included in the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328)."]
§156. Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
(a) In General.—There is a Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(b) Selection for Appointment.—Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the officer selected for appointment to serve as Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be recommended by a board of officers convened by the Secretary of Defense that, insofar as practicable, is subject to the procedures applicable to selection boards convened under chapter 36 of this title.
(c) Duties.—(1) The Legal Counsel of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall perform such legal duties in support of the responsibilities of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the Chairman may prescribe.
(2) No officer or employee of the Department of Defense may interfere with the ability of the Legal Counsel to give independent legal advice to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title V, §543(e)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 115; amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title V, §591, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4474; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §501(a), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2272; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, §502(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 114–328 redesignated subsec. (d) as (c) and struck out former subsec. (c). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (c) read as follows: "An officer appointed to serve as Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be appointed in the regular grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half)."
2009—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 111–84 substituted "be appointed in the regular" for ", while so serving, hold the".
2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–417 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2009 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title V, §501(b), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2272, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009], and shall apply with respect to individuals appointed as Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on or after that date."