about us

The Department of Defense is America's oldest and largest government agency, tracing its roots back to pre-Revolutionary times. Learn about DOD's rich history and innovations.

Our force — the finest in the world and made up entirely of volunteers — delivers across the battlespace. It reinforces American ideals of personal liberty and freedom. And it offers Americans who have the desire and ability to serve training, career mobility and financial benefits in addition to community, connection and a common purpose.

The U.S. military is an avenue for service. Since the beginning of the republic, millions of service members have raised their hands and sworn to “uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies foreign and domestic.

The Army People Strategy is the roadmap the U.S. Army will use to build a twenty-first century talent-based personnel management system, reform essential quality of life programs and build cohesive teams that are ready, professional, diverse and integrated for the Joint Force. The Total Army will acquire, develop, employ and retain the diversity of Soldier and Civilian talent needed to achieve Total Army readiness.

The Defense Department has 11 combatant commands, each with a geographic or functional mission that provides command and control of military forces in peace and war.