DefenseLINK - Top Civilian and Military Leaders

Top Civilian and Military Leaders

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates		Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England
Biography Speeches Messages The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy adviser to the President and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and policy related to all matters of direct concern to the Department of Defense, and for the execution of approved policy. Under the direction of the President, the Secretary exercises authority, direction and control over the Department of Defense. The Secretary of Defense is a member of the President's Cabinet and of the National Security Council.		Biography Speeches Media Activity Principles of Leadership The Deputy Secretary of Defense is delegated full power and authority to act for the Secretary of Defense and exercise the powers of the Secretary on any and all matters for which the Secretary is authorized to act pursuant to law.

Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)
Eric S. Edelman's duties include formulating defense planning guidance and forces policy, DoD relations with foreign countries and our role in interagency policy making.
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Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
Admiral Michael Mullen serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.
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Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Douglas A. Brook oversees DoD financial management activities, including a budget of over $400 billion. His responsibilities include developing and implementing DoD - wide financial policy, financial management systems, and business modernization.
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Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
General James E. Cartwright serves as Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, Vice Chairman of the Defense Acquisition Board, and as a member of the National Scurity Council Deputies Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Council.
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Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness)
David S. C. Chu is the senior policy advisor on recruitment, career development, and pay and benefits. He is also responsible for overseeing the state of military readiness.
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Top Leaders' Recent Speeches

01/06/2009:	Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates: Armed Forces Farewell to the President of the United States (Arlington, VA)
12/13/2008:	Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates: Manama Dialogue (Bahrain)
12/11/2008:	Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates: Kandahar Town Hall (Afghanistan)
12/10/2008:	Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon R. England: AFCEA Cyber Space Conference (Washington, D.C.)
12/08/2008:	Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates: TRADOC Change-of-Command Ceremony (Fort Monroe, VA)
12/01/2008:	Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates: Minot Air Force Base (Minot, ND)

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Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics)
As the Under Secretary, John J. Young, JR. serves as the principal advisor for all matters relating to the DoD acquisition system; research and development; advanced technology; developmental test and evaluation; production; logistics; installation management; military construction; procurement; environment security; and nuclear, chemical, and biological matters.
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Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence)
James R. Clapper, Jr. is the Secretary's principal advisor on intelligence matters.