re: Ìs it true that the Joint Chiefs are really figure heads and strictly advisory

There's legislation out there you can read, going over the creation of the JCOS, purpose, role, duties, etc. In a nutshell it's like an advisory board. Certainly more important than that title implicates, because of the weight of the issues, but nonetheless...From Title 10 US Code:

(b) Function as Military Advisers.—(1) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense.

(2) The other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are military advisers to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense as specified in subsection (d).

(c) Consultation by Chairman.—(1) In carrying out his functions, duties, and responsibilities, the Chairman shall, as necessary, consult with and seek the advice of—

(A) the other members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and

(B) the commanders of the unified and specified combatant commands.

(2) Subject to subsection (d), in presenting advice with respect to any matter to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman shall, as he considers appropriate, inform the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, or the Secretary of Defense, as the case may be, of the range of military advice and opinion with respect to that matter.

The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is openly racist. He was selected by Biden because he's a racist. When I'm elected, he's gone. Everyone connected to him is gone. Everything he's ever touched is gone, reversed. It's an embarrassment that such a man is at the top of our military. And it's intentional.