DDESS Chain of Command

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a Department of Defense field activity operating under the direction, authority and control of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. DoDEA consists of two school systems: the DoD Dependents Schools (DoDDS), which is the overseas school system, and (2) the DoD Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary (DDESS), the domestic school system. These systems provide a world class education program that inspires and prepares all students in military communities around the world to be successful and responsible citizens in a dynamic global environment. DoDEA is the Presidential and national showcase for education excellence.