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United States. Department of Defense
A vast and influential part of the U.S. government, it was created to unify the armed forces after World War II and now oversees military policy, planning, and operations around the world. Its story is closely tied to the Pentagon, the growth of modern national security, and the changing demands of American defense.
1 Audiobook
The Armed Forces Officer Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-2
by United States. Department of Defense
About the author
Established in 1947 by the National Security Act, the Department of Defense brought the military services under a single cabinet-level structure. It grew out of postwar efforts to coordinate the Army, Navy, and later the Air Force more effectively, with the Secretary of Defense serving as the top civilian leader.
Today, the department oversees the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, along with major agencies and combatant commands. Headquartered at the Pentagon, it plays a central role in U.S. military strategy, global operations, research, logistics, and defense policy.
Its scale and reach have made it one of the most studied institutions in modern American government. For readers interested in war, strategy, public service, or the machinery of state power, the Department of Defense offers a revealing window into how the United States organizes and directs its armed forces.