United States Department of Defense

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) is a federal agency responsible for providing military forces to protect the United States and its interests abroad. Established in 1949, the DoD is the largest employer in the United States, with over 67,850 employees. Headquartered in the United States, the DoD is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the United States Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. The department is led by the Secretary of Defense, who is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The DoD's mission is to provide for the common defense of the United States, to deter war, and to protect the nation's interests around the world.