The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs consists of eight deputates that contribute daily to the safety, mission readiness and quality of life of our Total Force. Each deputate works diligently to deliver policy and programs that enhance the lives and abilities of the military community.

Manpower and Reserve Affairs provides relevant and timely information and policy, as well as procedural updates to Congress, the military service leadership, Defense Department policy influencers, service members, their families, civilians, veterans, leaders, service providers and volunteers. This office is responsible for the development and delivery of all personnel policy, both civilian and military, and for implementing human resource solutions that support the Total Force and mission readiness. Travel Management, family programs, commissary shopping, workforce planning, compensation and Reserve Component integration are just a few of the areas that fall within the Manpower and Reserve Affairs portfolio.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy is the Department of Defense’s worldwide human resource policy office. Plans, policies and programs that affect the civilian Department of Defense workforce are created and managed by this office. Civilian Personnel Policy and Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service support all the military departments, defense agencies, the foreign national employment program and nonappropriated-funded employees with policy leadership and personnel services.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy ensures all military personnel policies and programs support the services and unified commands in accomplishing their assigned missions. These policies and programs are carefully designed to contribute to the long-term well-being of the armed forces and their military members.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy is directly responsible for programs and policies establishing and supporting community quality of life programs for active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members, their families and survivors worldwide. The office also serves as the resource for coordination of quality of life issues within the Department of Defense.

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Integration

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Integration integrates Reserve Component issues across the Department of Defense and serves as the representative and liaison for all seven Reserve Components: Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Naval Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve. Reserve Integration ensures seamless policy across the Department of Defense and provides strategic engagement on all Reserve Component matters.

Total Force Manpower and Resources

Total Force Manpower and Resources analyzes what the Total Force (which includes active duty, National Guard and reserve components) needs in order to react to threats in a timely and highly effective manner and plan for the future. This deputate evaluates manpower, personnel, training, systems safety, health hazards, human factors engineering and habitability outcomes, and develops and assists in the implementation of statutes, policies, federal regulations and procedures for all aspects of the Total Force.

Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings that amount to thousands of dollars annually when shopping regularly at a commissary.

Department of Defense Education Activity
The Department of Defense Education Activity plans, directs, coordinates and manages prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense. This agency operates 168 accredited schools worldwide in eight districts, located in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam and Puerto Rico, and ensures students of military families receive a world-class education.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense, Manpower and Reserve Affairs knows people are our most valuable asset and strives to support them and create opportunities for leadership development. We are an inclusive, diverse division powered by our people.