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Top Leaders

Top Civilian and Military Leaders

Secretary of Defense

Photograph of Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense

Robert M. Gates

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.

Deputy Secretary of Defense

Photograph of Gordon England, Deputy Secretary of Defense

Gordon England

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.

Defense Leaders

Eric Edelman

Under Secretary of Defense (Policy)

Edelman's duties include formulating defense planning guidance and forces policy, DoD relations with foreign countries and our role in interagency policy making. more»

Tina W. Jonas

Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer

Jonas oversees DoD financial management activities, including a budget of over $400 billion. Her responsibilities include developing and implementing DoD - wide financial policy, financial management systems, and business modernization. more»

David S. C. Chu

Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness)

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. more»

James R. Clapper, Jr.

Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence)

Clapper is the Secretary's principal advisor on intelligence matters. more»

Defense Leaders

Admiral Michael Mullen

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

Mullen serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council. more»

General James E. Cartwright

Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

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. more»

John J. Young, JR.

Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics)

As the Under Secretary, Young 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. more»

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