Who has authority over forces such as units and detachments for a specific service?

The Service Component Commander has the authority over forces like units and detachments for a specific service. This role is critical in ensuring that forces are properly organized, trained, and equipped to achieve the objectives set by higher command. The Service Component Commander is responsible for the readiness and effective employment of their assigned forces, acting as the primary liaison between the service and joint operational command structures.

This authority allows the Service Component Commander to manage resources, allocate units for specific missions, and integrate service-specific capabilities within joint operations. They possess a thorough understanding of their service’s unique strengths and constraints, which is essential for effective collaboration in a joint environment. In contrast, the other roles, such as the Joint Force Commander or Combatant Commander, deal with broader strategic issues across multiple services and geographical areas, but the specific oversight of service units is a distinct function of the Service Component Commander.