Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD(I&S)) is a U.S. Department of Defense civilian agency established under 10 USC 137. Founded as a principal staff element, it serves as the primary advisor to the Secretary of Defense on intelligence, counterintelligence, and security matters. The office exercises oversight of major intelligence agencies including the NSA, DIA, NGA, NRO, and DCSA. Key activities include policy development, program planning, resource allocation for military intelligence programs, personnel and physical security, and protection of classified information. The organization maintains strategic oversight of all DoD intelligence operations and serves as the Defense Department's primary representative to the Director of National Intelligence and the broader Intelligence Community.