the joint chiefs of staff have executive authority to command combatant forces.
That statement is incorrect. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) do not have executive authority to command combatant forces. The JCS is an advisory body that consists of the highest-ranking military officers from each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Their primary role is to provide military advice and recommendations to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.
While the JCS plays a crucial role in advising and coordinating military operations, the actual command of combatant forces lies with the combatant commanders. Combatant commanders are responsible for the operational readiness and execution of military missions within their assigned geographic or functional areas of responsibility.
The President, as the Commander-in-Chief, has the ultimate authority to command the military forces of the United States. The Secretary of Defense acts as the principal defense policy advisor to the President and is responsible for the overall supervision and direction of the Department of Defense.
In summary, the Joint Chiefs of Staff do not have executive authority to command combatant forces. Their role is to provide advice and recommendations to civilian leadership and assist in the coordination of military operations.