In the chain of command, who is listed above the Secretary of the Army in the chain?

• A. President of the U.S.
• B. Army Chief of Staff
• C. Division Commander
• D. Secretary of Defense

Answer: (A)

The top of the chain of command is the President of the United States, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President sits above the civilian head of the Department of Defense, the Secretary of Defense, and above the service secretaries such as the Secretary of the Army. The Army Chief of Staff is the senior uniformed officer who reports to the Secretary of the Army, not above him, and a Division Commander is far down the line. So, in the chain, the President is listed above the Secretary of the Army, making the President the correct answer.