By statute, the vice chief of staff is appointed as a four-star general in the United States Army while so serving.

The 39th and current vice chief of staff of the Army is General James J. Mingus.

Under the supervision and direction of the secretary of the Army (who in turn is under the authority, direction and control of the secretary of defense) the vice chief of staff assists the chief of staff on missions and functions related to their duties.

The vice chief of staff is the designated Army representative to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC).

Unlike the chief of staff of the Army, there is no fixed term nor term limit to the position of the vice chief of staff, although most of those appointed to the office have typically served for two or three year tenures.