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The Defense Intelligence Agency became operational on October 1, 1961 as the nation's primary producer of foreign military intelligence. It filled a critically important need for a central intelligence manager for the Department of Defense to support the requirements of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the warfighter. Today, DIA continues to build on its proud traditions as this country's preeminent military intelligence organization and remains "Committed to Excellence in Defense of the Nation."