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The chairman provides remarks at the U.S. Naval Institute's virtual Defense Forum Washington 2020 at 11:25 a.m. EST. Also speaking at this event are Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael M. Gilday and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David H. Berger (9:05 a.m. EST); and Vice Adm. William Galinis, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Vice Adm. Dean Peters, commander, Naval Air Systems Command (10:05 a.m. EST). Register at usni.org.

None Updated: Feb 27, 2025
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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

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The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the nation's highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the president, the secretary of defense and the National Security Council.

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Joint Chiefs of Staff

Established in January 1942 to expedite strategic coordination during World War II, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been at the center of U.S. military planning ever since.

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Leaders

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Pete Hegseth

Secretary of Defense

HON Pete Hegseth

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Deputy Secretary of Defense

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Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Christopher W. Grady

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Navy Adm.

Christopher W. Grady
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Office of the Secretary of Defense

Top civilian defense decision-makers work with the secretary to develop policy, operational and fiscal plans, manage resources and evaluate programs.

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Biographies