What type of command is the North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD)?

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is classified as a Major Command within the structure of the U.S. military. As a Major Command, it plays a crucial role in coordinating the defense of North American airspace, primarily focusing on aerospace warning and aerospace control for North America. Major Commands are significant organizational entities within the Department of Defense responsible for specific operational areas or functions, and NORAD serves a vital role in the continental defense of the United States and Canada by integrating the resources and capabilities of different branches of the military to achieve its mission.

In contrast to a Unified Command, which integrates forces from multiple services and can be responsible for a broader scope of operations, NORAD does not lead global combat operations. A Joint Command, while involving forces from more than one service, does not specifically designate a command that operates solely in the aerospace domain like NORAD does. Regional Commands are typically aligned with specific geographical areas rather than the specialized function that NORAD carries out in air and space defense.