Under Secretaries of Defense

Under Secretaries of Defense are senior officials in the United States Department of Defense who report to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The Under Secretaries of Defense are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, as stated in the Goldwater-Nichols Act. They work closely with other senior officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Service Secretaries, such as the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Navy, and Secretary of the Air Force. The Under Secretaries of Defense also interact with other government agencies, including the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the Department of State.

History and establishment

The position of Under Secretary of Defense was established in 1949, with the creation of the United States Department of Defense under the National Security Act of 1947. The first Under Secretary of Defense was Stephen Early, who served under Secretary of Defense James Forrestal. Over the years, the role of the Under Secretaries of Defense has evolved to include a range of responsibilities, from acquisition, technology, and logistics to personnel and readiness. The Under Secretaries of Defense have played a key role in shaping United States defense policy, working closely with other senior officials, including the National Security Adviser and the Secretary of Homeland Security. They have also worked with international partners, including NATO and the European Union, to address global security challenges, such as terrorism and cybersecurity.

Roles and responsibilities

The Under Secretaries of Defense have a range of responsibilities, including overseeing the development and implementation of defense policy, managing the defense budget, and coordinating with other government agencies, such as the Department of Energy and the Department of Commerce. They also work closely with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Chief of Naval Operations, and Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. The Under Secretaries of Defense are responsible for ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces, including the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard. They have also played a key role in addressing emerging security challenges, such as climate change and pandemics, working with organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

Appointment and succession

The Under Secretaries of Defense are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate, as stated in the Goldwater-Nichols Act. The appointment process typically involves a thorough review of the nominee's qualifications and experience, including their work in the private sector and their service in the public sector. The Under Secretaries of Defense serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States and can be removed from office at any time, as seen in the cases of John McHugh and Ashton Carter. The succession process for the Under Secretaries of Defense is typically outlined in the Department of Defense's succession plan, which ensures continuity of leadership and management in the event of a vacancy or transition, working closely with the White House and the Congress.

List of Under Secretaries of Defense

The list of Under Secretaries of Defense includes notable individuals such as Robert Work, Ash Carter, and Michèle Flournoy, who have served in various roles, including Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics and Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Other notable Under Secretaries of Defense include John Hamre, Douglas Feith, and Paul Wolfowitz, who have gone on to serve in other senior roles, including President of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Deputy Secretary of Defense. The list of Under Secretaries of Defense also includes individuals who have served in the United States Congress, such as John McCain and Carl Levin, and those who have worked in the private sector, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense is responsible for providing support and guidance to the Under Secretaries of Defense, including policy development, budget planning, and legislative affairs. The office is led by a senior official, typically a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, who reports directly to the Under Secretary of Defense, working closely with other offices, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense also coordinates with other government agencies, including the Office of Management and Budget and the Government Accountability Office, to ensure effective management and oversight of the Department of Defense, including its relationships with NASA, FBI, and DARPA. The office is located in the Pentagon, the headquarters of the Department of Defense, and works closely with other organizations, including the National Defense University and the Defense Intelligence Agency.