Who has the authority to approve military operations?

The approval of military operations lies primarily with the U.S. President and the Secretary of Defense, making this option the correct choice. The President, as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, holds ultimate authority over military decisions, including the deployment and conduct of military operations. Meanwhile, the Secretary of Defense acts as the principal defense policy advisor to the President and is responsible for the management of the military and its operations. This partnership ensures that military strategies align with national policy and objectives.

While the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provides military advice and helps formulate strategy, this role does not include the authority to approve military operations on their own. Similarly, the combatant commander, who leads a specific theater or area of operations, executes approved military plans but does not have the authority to approve them independently. The Secretary of Defense is a crucial figure but operates within the framework established by the President, emphasizing the collaborative nature of military command in the U.S. system.