Commander in Chief

Definition

The commander in chief is an official who has supreme command over a nation's military forces. They make key military decisions and have ultimate responsibility for national defense.

Related terms

Military Junta: A government led by a committee of military leaders who have taken control by force.

Civilian Control of the Military: The principle that civilian authorities, rather than military officials, should have ultimate control over the armed forces.

National Security: The protection of a nation's citizens, territory, and interests from external threats.