--- kind: "range" citation: "10 U.S.C. §§ 151–166" title: "10" from: "151" to: "166" count: 13 release: "119-102" url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/10/151..166" --- # §151. Joint Chiefs of Staff: composition; functions - (a) **Composition.—** There are in the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) 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](/usc/10/7001.md). - (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](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-1) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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)](#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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and - (B) the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands. - (2) Subject to [subsection (d)](#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](/usc/10/101.md?p=f-1) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5). - (2) A [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) submits such advice or opinion, the Chairman shall present the advice or opinion of such [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff may make such recommendations to Congress relating to the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense as he considers appropriate. - (g) **Meetings of JCS.—** - (1) The Chairman shall convene [regular](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-12) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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. - (h) **Removal of Members of Joint Chiefs of Staff.—** - (1) If the President removes a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to another position or location before the end of the term of the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) as specified in statute, the President shall, not later than five days after the removal or transfer takes effect, submit to Congress, including the [congressional defense committees](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-16), notice that the [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) is being removed or transferred and a statement of the reason for the removal or transfer. - (2) Nothing in this subsection prohibits a personnel action authorized by another provision of law. # §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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the [regular](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-12) components of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) serving as Chairman before the end of the term for which the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) was appointed, an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve as Chairman only for the remainder of the [original](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-10) term, but may be reappointed as provided in [paragraph (1)](#a-1). - (3) The President may extend to eight years the combined period of service of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff only if the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) has served as— - (A) the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; - (B) the Chief of Staff of the [Army](/usc/10/7001.md), 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)](#b-1) in the case of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) if the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest. - (c) **Grade and Rank.—** The Chairman, while so serving, holds the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of general or, in the case of the Navy, admiral, and outranks all other [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). However, he may not exercise military command over the Joint Chiefs of Staff or any of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). # §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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). - (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](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) required by [section 113(g) of this title](/usc/10/113.md?p=g) and the national security strategy required by section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 ([50 U.S.C. 3043](/usc/50/3043.md)); - (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](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) and recommending the assignment of responsibilities to the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) 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](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) and to respond to significant contingencies worldwide; - (B) assessing the risks to [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) missions, strategies, and military personnel that stem from shortfalls in military readiness across the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4), 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](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) 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](/usc/10/9511.md?p=7) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4), and recommending investments and experiments in such capabilities to the Secretary; - (B) performing military net assessments of the joint capabilities of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) of the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) and its allies in comparison with the capabilities of potential adversaries; - (C) advising the Secretary under [section 163(b)(2) of this title](/usc/10/163.md?p=b-2) 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](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) proposals of the [military departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-8) and other components of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense for a fiscal year conform with the priorities established in [national defense strategies](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) 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](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) 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)](#a-5-D); - (F) assessing joint military capabilities and identifying, approving, and prioritizing gaps in such capabilities to meet [national defense strategies](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3), pursuant to [section 181 of this title](/usc/10/181.md); 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); - (B) formulating policies and technical standards, and executing actions, for the joint training of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); - (C) formulating policies for coordinating the military education of [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); - (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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4); 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](/usc/10/166.md), a [budget](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) proposal for activities of each unified and specified combatant command; - (B) providing for representation of the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) 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)](#b-3), including in time for inclusion in the report of the Secretary of Defense, if any, under [paragraph (4)](#b-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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) 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](/usc/50/3043.md)); - (ii) the most recent annual report of the Secretary of Defense submitted to the President and Congress pursuant to [section 113 of this title](/usc/10/113.md); - (iii) the most recent [national defense strategy](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) presented by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to [section 113 of this title](/usc/10/113.md); - (iv) the most recent policy guidance provided by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to [section 113(g) of this title](/usc/10/113.md?p=g); 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1); - (ii) assess military ends, ways, and means to support the objectives referred to in [subparagraph (C)](#b-1-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)](#b-1-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)](#b-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)](#b-3), including in time for inclusion in the report of the Secretary of Defense, if any, under [paragraph (4)](#b-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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) 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](/usc/10/8669b.md?p=d-2) under [section 221 of this title](/usc/10/221.md). - (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](/usc/10/101.md?p=f-8). - (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)](#b-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)](#b-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)](#b-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)](#b-3) in a year [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) 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)](#b-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](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to [section 1105(a) of title 31](/usc/31/1105.md?p=a), the Chairman shall submit to the [congressional defense committees](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-16) a report on the requirements of the combatant commands established under [section 161 of this title](/usc/10/161.md). - (2) Each report under [paragraph (1)](#c-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](/usc/10/8669b.md?p=d-2) (under [section 221 of this title](/usc/10/221.md)) addresses the requirements on the consolidated lists. - (D) A description of the funding proposed in the President’s [budget](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) for the next fiscal year, and for the subsequent fiscal years covered by the most recent [future-years defense program](/usc/10/8669b.md?p=d-2), to address each deficiency in readiness identified during the joint readiness review conducted under [section 117 of this title](/usc/10/117.md) 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)](#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)](#d-1) shall include— - (A) a detailed review of the risk assessment required under [paragraph (2)](#b-2) of subsection (b), including how such risk assessment addresses the elements required in [subparagraph (B)](#d-2-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. # §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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the [regular](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-12) components of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). - (2) The Chairman and Vice Chairman may not be [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). - (B) The President may waive [subparagraph (A)](#a-4-A) if the President determines such action is necessary in the national interest. - (b) **Requirement for Appointment.—** - (1) The President may appoint an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff only if the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)— - (A) has the joint specialty under [section 661 of this title](/usc/10/661.md); and - (B) has completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as defined in [section 664(f)](/usc/10/664.md?p=f)[^1] of this title) as a general or [flag officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-5). - (2) The President may waive [paragraph (1)](#b-1) in the case of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) holding the other, the President shall designate a [member](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of general or, in the case of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the Navy, admiral and outranks all other [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) except the Chairman. The Vice Chairman may not exercise military command over the Joint Chiefs of Staff or any of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4). # §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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out their responsibilities. - (2) [Officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) (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](/usc/10/7001.md); - (B) the Navy and the Marine Corps; and - (C) the Air Force and the Space Force. - (3) Selection of [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of an armed force to serve on the Joint Staff shall be made by the Chairman from a list of [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) submitted by the Secretary of the military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) having jurisdiction over that armed force. Each [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) whose name is submitted shall be among those [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) considered to be the most outstanding [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of that armed force. The Chairman may specify the number of [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to be included on any such list. - (b) **Director.—** The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, after consultation with the other [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and with the approval of the Secretary of Defense, may select an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/50/3002.md)) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) assigned to the Joint Staff. Upon receipt of such a recommendation, the [Secretary concerned](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-9) shall promptly reassign the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1). - (3) An [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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)](#f-1) and [(3)](#f-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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) and civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent duty in the [executive part of the Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-7) of Defense to perform the functions and duties prescribed under subsections [(a)](#a) and [(c)](#c). - (2) The Joint Staff does not include [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) or civilian employees assigned or detailed to permanent duty in a military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6). - (h) **Personnel Limitations.—** - (1) The total number of [members](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) 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](/usc/10/1408.md?p=a-5) of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) on the [active-duty list](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-13) may be assigned or detailed to permanent duty for the Joint Staff. - (3) The limitations in paragraphs [(1)](#h-1) and [(2)](#h-2) do not apply in time of war. - (4) Each limitation in paragraphs [(1)](#h-1) and [(2)](#h-2) may be exceeded by a number equal to 15 percent of such limitation in time of national emergency. # [§155a. Repealed. Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title V, § 502(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2102 — repealed] # §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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) convened by the Secretary of Defense that, insofar as practicable, is subject to the procedures applicable to [selection boards](/usc/10/1558.md?p=b-2-A) convened under [chapter 36](/usc/10/chstA-ptII-ch36.md) 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](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) or employee of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) 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. # §161. Combatant commands: establishment - (a) **Unified and Specified Combatant Commands.—** With the advice and [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the President, through the Secretary of Defense, shall— - (1) establish [unified combatant commands](#c-1) and [specified combatant commands](#c-2) to perform military missions; and - (2) prescribe the force structure of those commands. - (b) **Periodic Review.—** - (1) The Chairman periodically (and not less often than every two years) shall— - (A) review the missions, responsibilities (including geographic boundaries), and force structure of each [combatant command](#c-3); and - (B) recommend to the President, through the Secretary of Defense, any changes to such missions, responsibilities, and force structures as may be necessary. - (2) Except during time of hostilities or imminent threat of hostilities, the President shall— - (A) not more than 60 days after establishing a new [combatant command](#c-3)— - (i) notify Congress of the establishment of such command; and - (ii) provide to Congress a briefing on the establishment of such command; and - (B) not more than 60 days after significantly revising the missions, responsibilities, or force structure of an existing [combatant command](#c-3)— - (i) notify Congress of such revisions; and - (ii) provide to Congress a briefing on such revisions. - (c) **Definitions.—** In this chapter: - (1) The term “unified combatant command” means a military command which has broad, continuing missions and which is composed of forces from two or more [military departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-8). - (2) The term “specified combatant command” means a military command which has broad, continuing missions and which is normally composed of forces from a single military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6). - (3) The term “combatant command” means a [unified combatant command](#c-1) or a [specified combatant command](#c-2). # §162. Combatant commands: assigned forces; chain of command - (a) **Assignment of Forces.—** - (1) As directed by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the [military departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-8) shall assign specified forces under their jurisdiction to unified and [specified combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) or to the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) element of the North American Aerospace Defense Command to perform missions assigned to those commands. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that such assignments are consistent with the force structure prescribed by the President for each [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). - (2) A force not assigned to a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) or to the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) element of the North American Aerospace Defense Command under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) shall remain assigned to the military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) concerned for carrying out the responsibilities of the Secretary of the military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) concerned as specified in section [7013](/usc/10/7013.md), [8013](/usc/10/8013.md), or [9013](/usc/10/9013.md) of this title, as applicable. - (3) A force assigned to a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) or to the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) element of the North American Aerospace Defense Command under this section may be transferred from the command to which it is assigned only— - (A) by authority of the Secretary of Defense; and - (B) under procedures prescribed by the Secretary and approved by the President. - (4) Except as otherwise directed by the Secretary of Defense, all forces assigned to a [unified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-1) shall be under the command of the commander of that command. The preceding sentence applies to forces assigned to a [specified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) only as prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. - (b) **Chain of Command.—** Unless otherwise directed by the President, the chain of command to a unified or [specified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) runs— - (1) from the President to the Secretary of Defense; and - (2) from the Secretary of Defense to the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). # §163. Role of Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff - (a) **Communications Through Chairman of JCS; Assignment of Duties.—** Subject to the limitations in [section 152(c) of this title](/usc/10/152.md?p=c), the President may— - (1) direct that communications between the President or the Secretary of Defense and the commanders of the unified and [specified combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) be transmitted through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and - (2) assign duties to the Chairman to assist the President and the Secretary of Defense in performing their command function. - (b) **Oversight by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff.—** - (1) The Secretary of Defense may assign to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff responsibility for overseeing the activities of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). Such assignment by the Secretary to the Chairman does not confer any command authority on the Chairman and does not alter the responsibility of the commanders of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) prescribed in [section 164(b)(2) of this title](/usc/10/164.md?p=b-2). - (2) Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff serves as the spokesman for the commanders of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3), especially on the operational requirements of their commands. In performing such function, the Chairman shall— - (A) confer with and obtain information from the commanders of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) with respect to the requirements of their commands; - (B) evaluate and integrate such information; - (C) advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense with respect to the requirements of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3), individually and collectively; and - (D) communicate, as appropriate, the requirements of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) to other elements of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense. # §164. Commanders of combatant commands: assignment; powers and duties - (a) **Assignment as Combatant Commander.—** - (1) The President may assign an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to serve as the commander of a unified or [specified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) only if the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)— - (A) has the joint specialty under [section 661 of this title](/usc/10/661.md); and - (B) has completed a full tour of duty in a joint duty assignment (as defined in [section 664(d) of this title](/usc/10/664.md?p=d)) as a general or [flag officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-5). - (2) The President may waive [paragraph (1)](#a-1) in the case of an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) if the President determines that such action is necessary in the national interest. - (3) - (A) If the President removes an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) assigned under [paragraph (1)](#a-1) to serve as the commander of a unified or [specified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) or transfers that [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to another position or location before the expected end of the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1)’s service as a combatant commander, the President shall, not later than five days after the removal or transfer takes effect, submit to Congress, including the [congressional defense committees](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-16), notice that the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) is being removed or transferred and a statement of the reason for the removal or transfer. - (B) Nothing in this paragraph prohibits a personnel action authorized by another provision of law. - (b) **Responsibilities of Combatant Commanders.—** - (1) The commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) is responsible to the President and to the Secretary of Defense for the performance of missions assigned to that command by the President or by the Secretary with the approval of the President. - (2) Subject to the direction of the President, the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3)— - (A) performs his duties under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense; and - (B) is directly responsible to the Secretary for the preparedness of the command to carry out missions assigned to the command. - (3) Among the full [range](/usc/10/101.md?p=f-1) of command responsibilities specified in [subsection (c)](#c) and as provided for in [section 161 of this title](/usc/10/161.md), the primary duties of the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) shall be as follows: - (A) To produce plans for the employment of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) to execute [national defense strategies](/usc/10/231.md?p=h-3) and respond to significant military contingencies. - (B) To take actions, as necessary, to deter conflict. - (C) To command [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) as directed by the Secretary and approved by the President. - (c) **Command Authority of Combatant Commanders.—** - (1) Unless otherwise directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense, the authority, direction, and control of the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) with respect to the commands and forces assigned to that command include the command functions of— - (A) giving authoritative direction to subordinate commands and forces necessary to carry out missions assigned to the command, including authoritative direction over all aspects of military operations, joint training, and logistics; - (B) prescribing the chain of command to the commands and forces within the command; - (C) organizing commands and forces within that command as he considers necessary to carry out missions assigned to the command; - (D) employing forces within that command as he considers necessary to carry out missions assigned to the command; - (E) assigning command functions to subordinate commanders; - (F) coordinating and approving those aspects of administration and support (including control of resources and equipment, internal organization, and training) and discipline necessary to carry out missions assigned to the command; and - (G) exercising the authority with respect to selecting subordinate commanders, selecting [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) staff, suspending subordinates, and convening [courts](/usc/10/704.md?p=c-3-A)-martial, as provided in subsections [(e)](#e), [(f)](#f), and [(g)](#g) of this section and [section 822(a) of this title](/usc/10/822.md?p=a), respectively. - (2) - (A) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) has sufficient authority, direction, and control over the commands and forces assigned to the command to exercise effective command over those commands and forces. In carrying out this subparagraph, the Secretary shall consult with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. - (B) The Secretary shall periodically review and, after consultation with the Secretaries of the [military departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-8), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3), assign authority to the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) for those aspects of administration and support that the Secretary considers necessary to carry out missions assigned to the command. - (3) If a commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) at any time considers his authority, direction, or control with respect to any of the commands or forces assigned to the command to be insufficient to command effectively, the commander shall promptly inform the Secretary of Defense. - (d) **Authority Over Subordinate Commanders.—** Unless otherwise directed by the President or the Secretary of Defense— - (1) commanders of commands and forces assigned to a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) are under the authority, direction, and control of, and are responsible to, the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) on all matters for which the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) has been assigned authority under [subsection (c)](#c); - (2) the commander of a command or force referred to in [clause (1)](#d-1) shall communicate with other elements of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense on any matter for which the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) has been assigned authority under [subsection (c)](#c) in accordance with procedures, if any, established by the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3); - (3) other elements of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense shall communicate with the commander of a command or force referred to in [clause (1)](#d-1) on any matter for which the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) has been assigned authority under [subsection (c)](#c) in accordance with procedures, if any, established by the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3); and - (4) if directed by the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3), the commander of a command or force referred to in [clause (1)](#d-1) shall advise the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) of all communications to and from other elements of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense on any matter for which the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) has not been assigned authority under [subsection (c)](#c). - (e) **Selection of Subordinate Commanders.—** - (1) An [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) may be assigned to a position as the commander of a command directly subordinate to the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) or, in the case of such a position that is designated under [section 601 of this title](/usc/10/601.md) as a position of importance and responsibility, may be recommended to the President for assignment to that position, only— - (A) with the concurrence of the commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3); and - (B) in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Defense. - (2) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement under [paragraph (1)](#e-1) for the concurrence of the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) with regard to the assignment (or recommendation for assignment) of a particular [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) if the Secretary of Defense determines that such action is in the national interest. - (3) The commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) shall— - (A) evaluate the duty performance of each commander of a command directly subordinate to the commander of such [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3); and - (B) submit the evaluation to the Secretary of the military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) concerned and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. - (4) - (A) At least one deputy commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) the geographic area of responsibility of which [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) the [United States](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-1) shall be— - (i) a qualified [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) component who is eligible for promotion to the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of lieutenant general or, in the case of the Navy, vice admiral; or - (ii) a qualified [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the Space Force whose prior service [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) service in a [space force active status](/usc/10/101.md?p=e-1) other than [sustained duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=e-4) and who is eligible for promotion to the [grade](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-7) of lieutenant general. - (B) The requirement in [subparagraph (A)](#e-4-A) does not apply when the [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) serving as commander of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) described in that subparagraph is (i) a [reserve](/usc/10/101.md?p=c-6) component [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1), or (ii) an [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) of the Space Force whose prior service [includes](/usc/10/101.md?p=g-4) service in a [space force active status](/usc/10/101.md?p=e-1) other than [sustained duty](/usc/10/101.md?p=e-4). - (f) **Combatant Command Staff.—** - (1) Each unified and [specified combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) shall have a staff to assist the commander of the command in carrying out his responsibilities. Positions of responsibility on the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) staff shall be filled by [officers](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) from each of the [armed forces](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-4) having significant forces assigned to the command. - (2) An [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) may be assigned to a position on the staff of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) or, in the case of such a position that is designated under [section 601 of this title](/usc/10/601.md) as a position of importance and responsibility, may be recommended to the President for assignment to that position, only— - (A) with the concurrence of the commander of such command; and - (B) in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Defense. - (3) The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement under [paragraph (2)](#f-2) for the concurrence of the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) with regard to the assignment (or recommendation for assignment) of a particular [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) to serve on the staff of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) if the Secretary of Defense determines that such action is in the national interest. - (g) **Authority to Suspend Subordinates.—** In accordance with procedures established by the Secretary of Defense, the commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) may suspend from duty and recommend the reassignment of any [officer](/usc/10/101.md?p=b-1) assigned to such [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). - (h) **Support to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.—** The commander of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) shall provide such information to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as may be necessary for the Chairman to perform the duties of the Chairman under [section 153 of this title](/usc/10/153.md). # §165. Combatant commands: administration and support - (a) **In General.—** The Secretary of Defense, with the advice and [assistance](/usc/10/2005.md?p=d-2) of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall provide for the administration and support of forces assigned to each [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). - (b) **Responsibility of Secretaries of Military Departments.—** Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense and subject to the authority of commanders of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) under [section 164(c) of this title](/usc/10/164.md?p=c), the Secretary of a military [department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) is responsible for the administration and support of forces assigned by him to a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3). - (c) **Assignment of Responsibility to Other Components of DOD.—** After consultation with the Secretaries of the [military departments](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-8), the Secretary of Defense may assign the responsibility (or any part of the responsibility) for the administration and support of forces assigned to the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) to other components of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense (including [Defense Agencies](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-11) and [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3)). A component assigned such a responsibility shall discharge that responsibility subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense and subject to the authority of commanders of the [combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) under [section 164(c) of this title](/usc/10/164.md?p=c). # §166. Combatant commands: budget proposals - (a) **Combatant Command Budgets.—** The Secretary of Defense shall include in the annual [budget](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) of the [Department](/usc/10/101.md?p=a-6) of Defense submitted to Congress a separate [budget](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) proposal for such activities of each of the unified and [specified combatant commands](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-2) as may be determined under [subsection (b)](#b). - (b) **Content of Proposals.—** A [budget](/usc/10/236.md?p=c-1) proposal under [subsection (a)](#a) for funding of activities of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) shall include funding proposals for such activities of the [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) as the Secretary (after consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) determines to be appropriate for inclusion. Activities of a [combatant command](/usc/10/161.md?p=c-3) for which funding may be requested in such a proposal include the following: - (1) Joint exercises. - (2) Force training. - (3) Contingencies. - (4) Selected operations. - (c) **SOF Training With Foreign Forces.—** A funding proposal for force training under [subsection (b)(2)](#b-2) may include amounts for training expense payments authorized in [section 322 of this title](/usc/10/322.md).