SENIOR LEADERS
Secretary of Defense
Leon E. Panetta
__The
Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy adviser to the President
and is responsible for the formulation of general defense policy and policy
related to all matters of direct concern to the Department of Defense, and for
the execution of approved policy. Under the direction of the President, the
Secretary exercises authority, direction and control over the Department of
Defense. The Secretary of Defense is a member of the President's Cabinet and of
the National Security Council.
Leon Edward Panetta was sworn in as the 23rd secretary of defense on July 1, 2011.
Before joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Panetta served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Mr. Panetta led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community.
Leon Edward Panetta was sworn in as the 23rd secretary of defense on July 1, 2011.
Before joining the Department of Defense, Mr. Panetta served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Mr. Panetta led the agency and managed human intelligence and open source collection programs on behalf of the intelligence community.
Deputy Secretary of Defense
Ashton B. Carter
_The Deputy
Secretary of Defense is delegated full power and authority to act for the
Secretary of Defense and exercise the powers of the Secretary on any and all
matters for which the Secretary is authorized to act pursuant to law.
Previously, Dr. Carter served as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics from April 2009 until October 2011. As Under Secretary, Dr. Carter led the Department’s efforts to accelerate the fulfillment of urgent operational needs; increase the Department’s buying power; and strengthen the nation¹s defenses against weapons of mass destruction and other emerging threats.
Over the course of his career in public service, Dr. Carter has three times been awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. For his contributions to intelligence, Dr. Carter was awarded the Defense Intelligence Medal.
Previously, Dr. Carter served as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics from April 2009 until October 2011. As Under Secretary, Dr. Carter led the Department’s efforts to accelerate the fulfillment of urgent operational needs; increase the Department’s buying power; and strengthen the nation¹s defenses against weapons of mass destruction and other emerging threats.
Over the course of his career in public service, Dr. Carter has three times been awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal. For his contributions to intelligence, Dr. Carter was awarded the Defense Intelligence Medal.