Which principle ensures that the armed forces remain under civilian leadership?

• A. Civilian control of the military
• B. Joint operational planning
• C. Military autonomy
• D. Autonomous governance

Answer: (A)

The principle tested is civilian control of the military. This means elected or civilian leaders set policy, define strategic goals, and retain authority over the use of force, while the military operates under civilian direction and a clear chain of command. This ensures democratic accountability and prevents the military from acting independent of civilian oversight, aligning military actions with the civilian leadership and the people’s will. The other concepts describe different ideas: planning cross the services, military independence, or governance by non-civilian authorities, none of which establish civilian leadership over the armed forces.