What is the operational chain of command?

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Operational chain of command defines who issues orders for field operations. In the United States, the President, as Commander in Chief, holds the top authority for military action. The Secretary of Defense acts as the civilian leader who carries out the President’s direction and oversees the entire Department of Defense. From there, Combatant Commanders head the unified and theater commands and have the authority to direct the forces assigned to their commands to accomplish missions. The Joint Chiefs of Staff provide military advice and planning but do not have direct command authority over forces in operation. Administrative control sits with the service secretaries and service chiefs, who handle organizational, training, and equipping matters rather than executing combat actions. So the path for operational orders is President → Secretary of Defense → Combatant Commanders.