The vice chief also serves as the principal adviser to the secretary of the Army, the secretary of the Air Force, the chief of staff of the Army, and the chief of staff of the Air Force, on matters relating to federalized forces of the United States National Guard and its sub-components; the Army National Guard, and the Air National Guard.

The vice chief serves a four-year term of office at the pleasure of the president.

By statute, the vice chief serves as a reserve officer on active duty in the Army or the Air Force.

The position of vice chief was established via the 1995 National Defense Authorization Act as a two-star office.

While the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act removed the vice chief's statutory rank, the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act amended that and elevated the vice chief to a statutory rank of general.