Who is Commander in Chief of the U.S. military?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• The President optional: (of the United States)

Our explanation

Commander in Chief means the top leader of the military. The President has this job. The President is in charge of everyone serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (the military).

Remember it

“Chief” means top: the top commander of the military is the President.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 26: “The President of the United States is the Commander in Chief of the military. This means that the President is in charge of everyone serving in U.S. military.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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