Source description last updated: 26 June 2020

In brief: The US Department of Defense (USDoD) is the US federal executive department responsible for all agencies and functions of the US government directly related to national security and the US Armed Forces.

Coverage on ecoi.net:

“Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan” (formerly: “Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan”), “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq” (published up to 2010) and other relevant reports

Covered monthly on ecoi.net for countries of priorities A–C (esp. Afghanistan and Iraq).

Mission/Mandate/Objectives:

“The enduring mission of the Department of Defense (DoD or the Department) is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the nation. […]

The Department maintains and, when directed, uses armed forces to support and defend the Constitution; protect the security of the United States, its possessions, and areas vital to its interests; and deter potential adversaries from aggression.” (USDoD: Agency Financial Report; Fiscal Year 2019, p. 1-2)

“The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is responsible for policy development, planning, resource management and program evaluation. OSD includes the offices of top civilian defense decision-makers with regard to personnel, weapons acquisition, research, intelligence and fiscal policy, as well as offices the Secretary establishes to assist in carrying out assigned responsibilities.” (USDoD website: Office of the Secretary of Defense, undated)

Amongst others, the USDoD publishes semi-annual reports entitled “Enhancing Security and Stability in Afghanistan”. These reports, which are prepared in coordination with the Secretary of State and submitted to the US Congress, include “a description of the strategy of the United States for enhancing security and stability in Afghanistan, a current and anticipated threat assessment, and a description and assessment of the size, structure, strategy, budget, and financing of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces” (see, for example, USDoD: Enhancing Security and Stability In Afghanistan, December 2019).

Funding:

US federal budget

Scope of reporting:

Geographic focus: Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries of concern

Thematic focus: security issues, insurgent and terrorist groups, structure and strength of local security/armed forces

Methodology:

No specific information found.

Language of publication:

English

 

All links accessed 26 June 2020.