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The CSS was established by presidential directive in 1972 to promote full partnership between NSA and the Service Cryptologic Elements of the U.S. Armed Forces. This new command created a more unified cryptologic effort by combining NSA and CSS. The Director of NSA is dual-hatted as the Chief of CSS.

The principal advisor to Director, NSA/Chief CSS on military cryptologic issues is Brig Gen Tom Jones, USAF, the Deputy Chief/CSS (DCH/CSS). As the DCH/CSS he oversees the function of the military cryptology system, manages and cultivates the partnerships between NSA/CSS and the Service Cryptologic Elements, and ensures military capabilities to fulfill the National Cryptologic Strategy.

Although NSA had its own emblem, for many years, CSS did not. In 1996, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS Lt Gen Kenneth A. Minihan, USAF, requested an insignia be created to represent both the National Security Agency and Central Security Service. As a result, a CSS seal was designed and adopted that year. Today, the emblem displays all five Service Cryptologic Elements, which comprise the Naval Network Warfare Command; the Marine Corps; the Army Intelligence and Security Command; the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency; and the Coast Guard, which became part of the Intelligence Community in 2002. Each is equally balanced around a five-pointed star on which is centered the symbol of NSA/CSS, which provides the funding, direction, and guidance for all of America's SIGINT activities.