Which statement concerning the National Security Council is TRUE?

The statement regarding the National Security Council that is true is that the Secretary of State is indeed a member of the National Security Council (NSC). The NSC is a key component of the U.S. government that assists the President in making decisions related to national security and foreign policy. Its membership typically includes the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and other senior officials. The inclusion of the Secretary of State ensures that diplomatic perspectives and international relations are integral to the discussions and decisions regarding national security.

The other statements do not accurately reflect the structure or operations of the National Security Council. The council is not chaired by the Secretary of Defense; rather, the President chairs it. Additionally, the NSC does not meet annually; it convenes as needed, often in response to specific security issues or crises. Moreover, while various cabinet members may be consulted, not all cabinet members are formal members of the NSC, as it is made up of a select few individuals who have direct relevance to national security policy.