What the Secretary of War does
Runs the U.S. military and is the President's top defense advisor.
Common misconceptions(3)
- Can start a war aloneActually: Only Congress can declare war. The President orders military action; the Secretary carries it out. Full wars require Congressional approval.
- Controls all U.S. intelligenceActually: The Director of National Intelligence coordinates 18 agencies. Defense runs military intelligence (DIA, NSA) but not the CIA or FBI.
- Runs veteran careActually: Once a service member leaves active duty, the Department of Veterans Affairs takes over their healthcare, benefits, and pensions.
