The Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) is the DoD center of excellence for electromagnetic spectrum, including integrated planning, policy development, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) engineering, spectrum management, and operational support. DSO's vision is to provide and support global spectrum access for United States and allied operations. DSO reports directly to DISA's vice director.

DSO engages in the full range of activities needed to support spectrum access for the DoD. It provides direct operational support to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders (COCOMs), Secretaries of Military Departments (MILDEPs), and Directors of Defense Agencies to achieve national security and military objectives. DSO has leading experts in the areas of E3, information systems, spectrum management, training, modeling and simulation. It applies electromagnetic environmental databases and analysis tools to assist in both the acquisition and operation of DoD communications-electronics assets. It provides services such as spectrum-planning guidance, system integration, system vulnerability analysis, environmental analysis, test and measurement support, and spectrum management software development.

In addition, DSO supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration (OASD(NII) and DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) on national and international spectrum issues and spectrum coordination. DSO is leading efforts to transform spectrum management to support future net-centric operations and warfare. It develops comprehensive and integrated spectrum planning and policy strategies for DoD and participates in international organizations that have spectrum-management responsibilities (e.g., the International Telecommunication Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization). DSO also develops working partnerships with other government agencies, industry, and academia, and monitors and analyzes emerging spectrum technologies (EST) in order to incorporate optimal technology to meet DoD mission requirements.

DSO's organizational elements are:

Joint Spectrum Center (JSC) provides E3 management, training, acquisition support, modeling, information systems and operational support.

Strategic Planning Office (SPO) develops long-range plans and supports efforts to transform spectrum management to meet the DoD's mandate for net-centric operations.

Business Management Office (OS2) provides business operations services to include acquisition planning and oversight, financial management and accounting, personnel management, security, property management, and facilities management.