The Joint Chiefs

Senior Military Advisory, National Defense Posture, and Institutional Cohesion

Description

The Joint Chiefs operates as the senior collective of military leaders who set national defense posture and advise civilian executives. In the current material they prioritize institutional cohesion and precedent, resisting public admissions of intelligence failures to avoid perceived dangerous precedents. They exert pressure through senior officers—exemplified by General Patricia Hawkins—shape diplomatic risk calculations, impede accountability measures, and function as a decisive institutional stakeholder and antagonist during crises.

Related Events

Events mentioning this organization

5 events

S1E2

Shot, Photo, and the Burden of Command

In a quiet Oval Office beat, President Bartlet trades light banter and a baby photograph with Dr. Morris Tolliver while Morris performs a routine physical …

S1E3

Strike Today — Bartlet's Fury and the Missing Glasses

President Bartlet erupts outside the Oval, accusing military advisors Cashman and Berryhill of stonewalling after the downing of an American airliner and demanding a response …

S1E12

Situation Room: India–Pakistan Nuclear Readiness Briefing

In the Situation Room the Joint Chiefs brief President Bartlet and Leo on a dangerous escalation along the India–Pakistan cease‑fire line. Photo‑recon shows India moving …

S4E5

No Concessions — Leo's Blowup and the Calm Order

During an impromptu situation-room briefing at Saybrook, Fitzwallace warns that an Israeli pre-emptive strike is possible and that Qumar will 'show its teeth' — and …

S4E12

Misaddressed Pentagon Memo Lands on Charlie's Desk

Ginger delivers a terse, misaddressed Pentagon memo to Charlie, triggering immediate diplomatic and bureaucratic questions. Charlie reacts with disbelief — he has no authority to …