Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

A three-star U.S. military officer (lieutenant general or vice admiral), the Assistant to the Chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff is a senior representative of the Chairman. He oversees matters requiring close personal control by the Chairman with particular focus on international relations and politico-military concerns, and is the Chairman's chief liaison officer. One role is to accompany the U.S. Secretary of State on overseas trips to serve as a military advisor.

The incumbent is LTG Paul J. Selva, United States Air Force is Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Established in 1968 at its present rank, the position is "career enhancing"; many of the incumbents have been promoted to four-star rank. The title is properly "the" Assistant to the Chairman; there are lower-ranking Assistants for specific matters, such as National Guard Matters.

Assistants have included:
 * GEN Ray Odierno
 * GEN Richard Myers
 * GEN John Shalikashvili