Politics and Government Politics and Government
Sun, January 12, 2025

What does the defense secretary do?


Published on 2025-01-12 13:00:37 - PBS
  Print publication without navigation

  • Leading the U.S. Department of Defense is a massive job, broadly affecting Americans' security at home and abroad and overseeing huge numbers of people and immense amounts of money.

The Defense Secretary, as outlined on PBS NewsHour, is a pivotal figure in the U.S. government, serving as the head of the Department of Defense. This role involves advising the President on military policy, managing the Department's budget, which exceeds $700 billion, and overseeing the operations of the military branches. The Secretary is responsible for ensuring the military's readiness, strategic planning, and the execution of national security policy. They also engage in international diplomacy, often meeting with foreign counterparts to strengthen alliances and address global security issues. The position requires Senate confirmation and typically involves navigating complex relationships with Congress, the military, and other governmental agencies to shape defense policy and strategy.

Read the Full PBS Article at:
[ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-does-the-defense-secretary-do ]
Contributing Sources