For A Period of Four Years: The Evolution of Term Lengths for the Joint Chiefs of Staff

This article originated with a simple question: why do the chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the service chiefs, all serve four-year terms? The evolution over the course of a century towards that fixed length reflects debate and tension about balancing three concerns: becoming familiar with one’s duties and responsibilities, offering independent military advice, and preventing the military’s accumulation of power. This article argues that the last was the real, underlying concern, and four years is the compromise that satisfied members of both the executive and legislative branches, as well as the military.