chief of staff
Noun: - The senior officer of a service of the armed forces: The highest-ranking military officer who leads a specific branch or service (e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force) and is the principal advisor to the civilian leadership, such as the Secretary of Defense or the President. - The head of a group of staff officers: The senior officer in charge of the staff within a military headquarters, government office, or large organization, responsible for coordinating operations and administration.
- Noun:
- The Chief of Staff presented the new strategic plan to the Secretary of the Army.
- A general was appointed as the new chief of staff for the allied forces.
- In the White House, the Chief of Staff manages the President's schedule and senior aides.
- "to serve as chief of staff": To hold the position of the senior staff officer.
- He served as chief of staff during a critical period of the conflict.
- "office of the chief of staff": Refers to the administrative unit or the physical office led by this officer.
- The directive was issued from the office of the chief of staff.
- Chief of Staff's office (n): The administrative department led by the chief of staff.
- Joint Chiefs of Staff (n, proper): In the U.S., the group comprising the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and other senior officers, led by a Chairman.
- Senior military advisor: A person who provides high-level counsel on military matters.
- Head of staff: The leader of a group of administrative or operational officers.
- Acting chief of staff: A person temporarily performing the duties of the chief of staff.
- The deputy served as the acting chief of staff for a month.
- Chief of staff to [someone]: Specifies the person whom the chief of staff advises.
- She is the chief of staff to the governor.
The term "chief of staff" has two primary, related applications: 1. Military Context: It denotes the highest-ranking uniformed officer within a specific military service (e.g., Chief of Staff of the Air Force). 2. Organizational/Governmental Context: It refers to the senior manager who oversees the operations and staff of a high-level executive, such as a CEO, governor, or president. In this role, the chief of staff acts as a gatekeeper, coordinator, and key advisor.
- the senior officer of a service of the armed forces