Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
In the United States, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs or ASD (ISA) is the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD (P)) and the United States Secretary of Defense on international security strategy and policy on issues of Department of Defense (DoD) interest related to the governments and defense establishments of the nations and international organizations of Europe (including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization), the Middle East, and Africa. The ASD (ISA) also oversees security cooperation programs and foreign military sales programs in these regions. Despite the broad title of the office, the ASD (ISA) does not develop policy related to Asia, the Pacific region, Latin America, or South America.
According to a description provided by the Office of the USD (P), the ASD (ISA) shall:
The table below includes both the various titles of this post over time, as well as all the holders of those offices.
This office can trace its roots back to the early days of the modern national security establishment. It was created in 1949, two years after the National Security Act established the Department of Defense.
The ASD (ISA) is supported by four Deputy Assistant Secretaries (DASDs), each with coverage of a different region. The DASDs manage "principal directors" who in turn oversee "country directors" with more narrow geographic portfolios:
The ASD (ISA) also oversees the DoD representative in the U.S. Mission to NATO, and the DoD representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
DASDs are appointed by the Secretary of Defense. Some are appointed from civilian life, while others are career defense officials. Once at the DASD level, the latter are considered a part of the DoD Senior Executive Service.
The ASD (ISA) is also supported by a Principal Deputy, or PDASD, who helps manage the day-to-day operations of the four DASDs and the NATO rep.
The list below details the current DASDs in this office.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Global Strategic Affairs
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs
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