The United States under secretary of defense for policy (USDP) is a high level civilian official in the United States Department of Defense. The under secretary of defense for policy is the principal staff assistant and adviser to both the secretary of defense and the deputy secretary of defense for all matters concerning the formation of national security and defense policy.
The under secretary is normally appointed from civilian life by the president with the advice and consent of the Senate. The incumbent under secretary is Colin Kahl, who was confirmed by the Senate on 27 April 2021, and sworn in the following day.
Overview
The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is the principal staff element of the secretary of defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, fiscal, and program evaluation responsibilities, the rank of Under Secretary, the USD(P) is a Level III position within the Executive Schedule.
Reporting officials
Officials reporting to the USD(P) include: Principal deputy under secretary of defense for policy
Strategy, Plans, & Capabilities
The assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities (ASD(SPC)) is responsible for national security and defense strategy, leading the National Defense Strategy, nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy, security cooperation plans and policies, and force design and development planning.
Mission: Support the secretary and deputy secretary of defense and the under secretary of defense for policy in providing the Department of Defense (DoD) with guidance to align resources, activities and capabilities with national security and defense strategy goals. Provide DoD input to the National Security Strategy and associated national, regional and functional strategies. Develop National Defense Strategy (NDS), Guidance for Development of the Force (GDF) and Guidance for Employment of the Force (GEF) Review campaign and contingency plans, major force deployments and military operational plans Evaluate the capability of forces to accomplish U.S. Defense and National Security Strategy. Develop policy and strategy guidance to enhance partner capabilities and compatibility with DoD. Develop Global Force Posture policy and strategy and oversee implementation Lead the Quadrennial Defense Review
International Security Affairs
The assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs (ASD (ISA)) is responsible for international security strategy, defense policy, and oversight of security cooperation programs and foreign military sales programs relating to Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Russia, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere. The deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs provides advice on international security strategy, defense policy, and oversight of security cooperation programs relating to Sub-Sahara Africa. The deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East provides advice on international security strategy, defense policy, and oversight of security cooperation programs relating to the Middle East and North Africa. The deputy assistant secretary of defense for Europe and NATO provides advice on international security strategy, defense policy, and oversight of security cooperation programs relating to Europe and NATO. The deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia provides advice on international security strategy, defense policy, and oversight of security cooperation programs relating to conventional arms control, Russia, Ukraine, Western Balkans, and Eurasian nations. The secretary of defense representative in the United States Mission to NATO. The secretary of defense representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.