Commander
in Chief
BASIC DEFINITION
In Article II Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the president is formally given the role as Commander in Chief. As Commander in Chief, the President is in charge of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines of the United States. During War, the President is the one to decide where troops will be stationed, how certain weapons will be used, and where to dispatch warships, air strikes, etc.
Although the President cannot declare war or create laws, he can affect public policy, set precedent and act as a leading figure to the American people. The President can also advocate certain benefits to veterans, such as healthcare and housing. When America is not in war, the President is expected to preserve peace at home and places abroad that support American interests.
THIS ROLE'S IMPORTANCE
The President is not expected to be marching at the front of his/her armed forces, but can affect major plans. He/she reviews strategy, controls details of specific missions and communicates directly with key commanders/higher ranking officials. The President also has the right to fire or hire these key commanders.
When the country is not in a state of war, the President works to maintain peace and prevent conflict by using the armed forces for humanitarian, policing and peacekeeping actions.