What collective body is the Chief of Space Operations a member of?

The Chief of Space Operations is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This body consists of the top military leaders from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and now the Space Force, which was established to oversee space operations. As the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council, the Chief of Space Operations plays a crucial role in shaping national defense policy as it relates to space capabilities and challenges.

Being part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff indicates a significant level of authority and responsibility, as this assembly makes key strategic decisions and provides leadership across all branches of service. The inclusion of the Chief of Space Operations reflects the increasing importance of space in modern military strategies and the need for integrated defense systems across terrestrial and extraterrestrial domains.

In contrast, the other options refer to different organizational structures. United States Strategic Command deals with global strategic operations but does not encompass all military branches as the Joint Chiefs do. Space Operations Command is a subordinate command under the U.S. Space Force, focusing specifically on operations but lacking the broader advisory roles of the Joint Chiefs. Air Force Command relates specifically to the operations of the Air Force and does not include representation