Chapter 1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION

SECRETARIES OF THE ARMY, NAVY, AND AIR FORCE

Military Requirements for Senior and Master Chief Petty Officer
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CHAPTER 1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION LEARNING OBJECTIVES Learning objectives are stated at the beginning of each chapter. These learning objectives serve as a preview of the information you are expected to learn in the chapter. By successfully completing the accompanying nonresident training course (NRTC), you indicate you have met the objectives and have learned the information. Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to do the following: 1. Describe the mission of the Secretary of Defense, Secretaries of the military departments, Joint Chiefs of Staff, unified and specified commands, and U.S. armed forces. Alexander Hamilton wrote concerning the national defense: “The rights of neutrality will only be respected when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation despicable by its weakness forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.” In today’s world, no less than in that of Hamilton’s, the United States requires military power adequate to support our national security goals. So, as Hamilton pointed out, this nation must maintain a credible military posture. The United States Navy has been in the past, and continues to be today, an integral part in this nation’s national strategy. National strategy is the broad course of action with design to achieve national goals in support of national interest. We maintain U.S. defense forces to preserve the physical security and protect the political independence of the United States. Key elements of our national security strategy are deterrence, forward defense, and alliance solidarity. Each requires maritime power. ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Performance of all functions of the Depart- ment of Defense (DOD) and its agencies is under the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). The DOD is made up of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), military departments and the military services within those departments, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the Joint Staff, unified and specified commands, DOD agencies, and DOD field activities. The OSD and JCS provide immediate staff aid and advice to the SECDEF. These offices have separate identities and organizations, but they function in full accord. The OSD includes the following: — — — The Deputy SECDEF Under Secretaries of Defense Comptroller of the DOD 1-1

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