Department of Defense (DOD)
Maggie & Nicole
Main Purpose
Mission Statement
History
The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were established in 1775, in concurrence with the American Revolution. The War Department was established in 1789, and was the precursor to what is now the Department of Defense.
One year later, in 1790, the Coast Guard (part of Homeland Security in peace time) was established. This was followed by the founding of the Department of the Navy in 1798.
The decision to unify the different services under one Department led to the creation of the National Military Establishment in 1947. This establishment would replace the War Department, which converted to the Department of the Army. That same year, the U.S. Air Force was established followed by the founding of the Department of the Air Force.
Finally, the three military branches, Army, Navy, and Air Force, were placed under the direct control of the new Secretary of Defense, confirmed by Senate. In 1949, an amendment to the National Security Act further consolidated the national defense structure by withdrawing cabinet-level status from the three Service secretaries. The National Military Establishment was then renamed the Department of Defense.
Head of the Department
Hagel's job is the principal defense policy advisor to the President. Under the direction of the President, the Secretary exercises authority, direction, and control over the Department of Defense. Hagel is qualified to lead this department because he served in the armed forces, was personally appointed to serve as Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration by President Ronald Reagan. Hagel was elected in the US Senate in 1996. Following his career in the Senate, Hagel worked closely with President Obama as Co-Chairman of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. HAgel also serves as a member of the Secretary of Defense Policy Board.
Structure
Contact us
Location: 1400 Department of Defense Pentagon
Phone: 703-571-3343
Budget
Current Issues
Another thing they are dealing with is opening up relations with Cuba. THe changes would be travel changes would be easier. Also less remittances would be set.