Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy (OSD Policy)

Background

The Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy (OSD Policy) serves as the principal advisory body to the Secretary of Defense on all matters concerning national security and defense policy. Established to provide strategic guidance and policy oversight, OSD Policy plays a pivotal role in shaping the United States' defense posture and ensuring the alignment of military capabilities with national objectives. Its mission encompasses the development and implementation of policies that address global security challenges, enhance military readiness, and foster international partnerships.

Key Strategic Focus

OSD Policy's strategic focus includes:

• Defense Strategy Development: Crafting comprehensive defense strategies that address current and emerging threats.

• Force Planning: Determining the necessary force structure and capabilities to meet strategic objectives.

• International Security Affairs: Managing defense relationships with allies and partners to promote global stability.

• Homeland Defense: Developing policies to protect the U.S. homeland from external threats.

• Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict: Overseeing policies related to special operations forces and irregular warfare.

• Space Policy: Formulating strategies for the defense and utilization of space assets.

Organizational Structure

OSD Policy is led by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)), who is supported by several Assistant Secretaries overseeing specific areas:

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities: Focuses on defense strategy, force development, and strategic analysis.

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs: Manages defense relations with Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs: Oversees defense policies related to the Asia-Pacific region.

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security: Develops policies for homeland defense, cyber operations, and countering weapons of mass destruction.

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict: Provides oversight of special operations forces and counterterrorism policies.

• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy: Formulates policies for space operations and security.

Leadership Team

• Under Secretary of Defense for Policy: The USD(P) serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on all policy matters.

• Assistant Secretaries of Defense: Each Assistant Secretary leads a specific policy area, providing expertise and guidance within their domain.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

OSD Policy collaborates with various defense and security organizations to enhance its strategic objectives:

• Defense Innovation Unit (DIU): Established to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology within the military, DIU partners with OSD Policy to integrate innovative solutions into defense strategies.

• National Security Innovation Network (NSIN): NSIN works with OSD Policy to foster innovation by connecting defense, academic, and entrepreneurial communities to solve national security challenges.

Operational Insights

OSD Policy's operational effectiveness is enhanced through:

• Cross-Functional Teams: The establishment of Secretary of Defense-Empowered Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs) addresses complex issues requiring collaboration across multiple functional areas.

• Strategic Assessments: Regular evaluations of global security environments to inform policy decisions and resource allocations.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, OSD Policy aims to:

• Enhance Technological Integration: Leverage emerging technologies to maintain a strategic advantage.

• Strengthen Alliances: Deepen partnerships with international allies to address shared security concerns.

• Adapt to Emerging Threats: Continuously evolve policies to counter new and evolving security challenges.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the official website of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Note: Specific contact details such as addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses are not provided in this profile.