Department of Defense

Definition

The Department of Defense oversees everything related to security and defense in America. This includes managing all branches of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force), developing military strategies, procuring weapons systems etc.

Related terms

Pentagon: The headquarters of the Department of Defense located in Arlington, Virginia.

National Security Strategy (NSS): A document prepared periodically by the executive branch for Congress which outlines major national security concerns and plans to deal with them.

Joint Chiefs of Staff: The body comprising the highest-ranking members of each major branch of the armed services who advise on military matters.