The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities includes a principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans and capabilities; a deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development; a deputy assistant secretary of defense for plans; a deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and missile defense policy; and a deputy assistant secretary of defense for security cooperation.3 The assistant secretary oversees approximately 100 total employees.
• Serves as the principal advisor to the secretary of defense, deputy secretary of defense, undersecretary of defense for policy and principal deputy undersecretary of defense on national security issues and defense strategy, and the capabilities, forces and contingency plans necessary to implement the defense strategy
• Supports the secretary and deputy secretary of defense, and the undersecretary of defense for policy, in providing DOD with guidance to align resources, activities and capabilities with national security and defense strategy goals
• Provides DOD input on the national security strategy and associated national, regional and functional strategies
• Provides the Office of the Secretary of Defense input on the national military strategy
• Develops National Defense Strategy, Defense Planning Guide and Guidance for Employment of the Force
• Reviews campaign and contingency plans, major force deployments and military operational plans
• Evaluates the capability of forces to accomplish U.S. defense and national security strategy
• Develops policy and strategy guidance to enhance partner capabilities and compatibility with DOD
• Develops Global Force Posture policy and strategy, and oversees implementation
• Prioritizes day-to-day operations and reviews plans for commands
• Leads the Quadrennial Defense Review4