Civilian control of the Air Force is assured by which two entities?

Civilian control of the Air Force is fundamentally established through the roles of the Secretary of the Air Force and the President. The President, as Commander-in-Chief, holds ultimate authority over all branches of the military, ensuring that military actions and strategies align with civilian policy and national interests. The Secretary of the Air Force serves as the primary civilian leader and administrator of the Air Force, overseeing its mission, budget, and operations while reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense and, ultimately, to the President. This structure maintains a clear separation between military leadership and civilian governance, promoting accountability and oversight within the military force.

The other options do not capture the necessary direct civilian oversight relationship. While the Secretary of Defense is indeed involved in oversight, it is specifically the President and the Secretary of the Air Force that represent the civilian control of the Air Force.