Commander-in-Chief

supreme commanding authority of a military

A commander-in-chief is the commander of a nation's military forces. Some country's commander-in-chief does not need to have been a soldier or involved in the military. The term was first used by King Charles I of England in 1639.

Commanders-in-Chief is sometimes referred to as Supreme Commander, which is sometimes used as a specific term.[1]

Australia

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The role of command in chief is done by the Governor-General of Australia as the King’s representative.[2]

United Kingdom

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The title Commander-in-Chief is rarely used by the King or Queen of England, but usually refers to local commanders-in-chief.

After independence from Britain on August 15, 1947, each Service was given its own Chief Commander (navy, army, airforce).

Before 1979, the Shah was the commander-in-chief in Iran. After the creation of the Islamic Republic, the Supreme Leader of Iran has taken on the role.

Ireland

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In Ireland, the commander-in-chief of the army is the President.

Pakistan

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In Pakistan, the President is by law the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, however the elected Prime Minister has the real power.

Hong Kong

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When Hong Kong was a British colony the Governor was also the Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong.

United States of America

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Commander-in-chief is one of the many roles given to the president of the United States

References

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