commander-in-chief

A commander-in-chief (sometimes called a supreme commander or supreme commander-in-chief) is the person who exercises supreme command and control over an armed force. The role may be vested in a head of state, head of government, or another designated officer or government official. The title used varies by country and language. Generally, English-speaking countries favor "commander-in-chief", while French-speaking countries favor "chief of armies" (French: chef des armées). Most continental European countries use the term "supreme commander", while the Soviet Union, and consequently the post-soviet states, use "supreme commander-in-chief" (Russian: Верховный главнокомандующий).