Who prepares strategic plans and provides strategic direction for the Armed Forces?

• A. President
• B. National Security Council
• C. Joint Chiefs of Staff
• D. Secretary of Defense

Answer: (C)

The question tests who translates national goals into military planning and directs how the Armed Forces intend to achieve them. The Joint Chiefs of Staff act as the senior uniformed advisers who coordinate all service inputs to craft unified, joint strategic plans and provide strategic military direction to civilian leaders. They synthesize the capabilities and plans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force, develop campaigns and long-range posture, and guide how the services work together to meet national objectives. While the President and the Secretary of Defense set policy and approve plans, and the National Security Council coordinates policy, the actual preparation of strategic plans and the coordination of military direction across the Armed Forces come through the Joint Chiefs of Staff.