United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy

United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Name	United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Abbreviation	USD-P
Member of	United States Department of Defense
Reports to	United States Secretary of Defense
Seat	The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia
Appointed by	President of the United States
Constituting instrument	Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986
Established	1986

United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is a senior position in the United States Department of Defense, serving as the principal advisor to the United States Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense on defense strategy, policy, and planning. The Under Secretary is responsible for the overall supervision of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSDP). The position was established by the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986.

History and establishment

The position of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy was created by the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986, which aimed to reform the organizational structure of the United States Department of Defense. The Act established the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy as a key advisor to the United States Secretary of Defense on policy matters. The first Under Secretary of Defense for Policy was John Rood, who served from 1986 to 1987.

The OUSDP has undergone several reorganizations and expansions since its establishment. In 1994, the Clinton Administration established the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and Security, which combined the OUSDP with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. The 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror led to a significant expansion of the OUSDP's role and responsibilities.

Roles and responsibilities

The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy serves as the principal advisor to the United States Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense on defense strategy, policy, and planning. The Under Secretary is responsible for:

* Developing and implementing defense policies and strategies * Providing advice on national security issues * Coordinating with other government agencies, international organizations, and foreign governments * Overseeing the development of the National Military Strategy * Providing support to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Combatant Commands

The Under Secretary is also responsible for supervising the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, which includes several subordinate offices, including the Office of International Security Affairs, the Office of Policy Planning, and the Office of Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict.

Appointment and succession

The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. The Under Secretary serves at the pleasure of the President and can be removed from office at any time.

The succession to the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is as follows:

* Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy * Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs * Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning

List of officeholders

* John Rood (1986-1987) * Robert G. Weinhoven (1987-1988) * Lawrence J. Korb (1988-1992) * Philip A. Gordon (1993-1994) * Joseph N. Fitsgerald (1994-1995) * Richard A. Clarke (1995-1998) * J. William Breslin (1998-2001) * Stephen J. Hadley (2001-2003) * John R. Bolton (2003-2005) * J. Scott Brown (2005-2007) * James J. Lindsay (2007-2009) * Robert M. Gates (2009-2011) (Acting) * Ellen E. Horowitz (2011-2012) (Acting) * George W. Christopher (2012-2013) (Acting) * James A. Jacobson (2013-2014) (Acting) * **Ash Carter** (2014-2015) * Robert G. Joseph (2015-2017) * Eric E. Fanning (2017-2018) * Dr. Mira Rapp-Hooper (2019-2021) * Dr. Colin F. Chinn (2021) (Acting) * Dr. Celeste Wallander (2022-present)

Organization and reporting structure

The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is a senior official in the United States Department of Defense, reporting directly to the United States Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The Under Secretary is supported by a team of senior advisors and officials, including the:

* Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy * Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs * Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Planning * Director of the Office of Policy Planning

The OUSDP is organized into several subordinate offices, including:

* Office of International Security Affairs * Office of Policy Planning * Office of Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict * Office of the Director of Strategic Operational Planning]

The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy works closely with other senior officials in the United States Department of Defense, including the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Financial Management and Comptroller. Category:United States Department of Defense