The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is the title of a high-level civilian official in the United States Department of Defense. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy is the principal staff assistant and advisor to both the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense for all matters concerning the formation of national security and defense policy. The position is considered the number three office in the Department of Defense, after the Secretary of Defense and Deputy Secretary of Defense. It was created by Carter Defense Secretary Harold Brown in 1977.

Departments reporting to the USD-Policy include:

• Assistant Secretary of Defense-International Security Affairs
• Assistant Secretary of Defense-Global Security Affairs
• Assistant Secretary of Defense-Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs
• Assistant Secretary of Defense-Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict & Interdependent Capabilities
• Assistant Secretary of Defense-Asian & Pacific Security Affairs
• Defense Security Cooperation Agency (under ASD(ISA))
• Defense Technology Security Agency (under ASD(GSA))
• Defense Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Office (abbreviated DPMO)

The current Acting Principal Deputy USD for Policy is Mr. Pete Verga.

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