| the Chiefs of Staff of the Army and the Air Force, the commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of Naval Operations, together with a chairman selected from one of the branches of the armed forces, serving as the principal military advisory body to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. |
A high-level military advisory board in the Department of Defense, composed of high-ranking representatives of the army, navy, air force, and marines. The Joint Chiefs are responsible for formulating military policy and recommending action regarding issues of national security and international relations.