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Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, Department of Defense
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2023, the Department of Defense had a budget of $905.5 billion with approximately 2.1 million military personnel and 795,000 civilian personnel.3

Primary Responsibilities
  • Advises the secretary of defense on space-related issues, space policy and strategy.4
  • Represents the secretary of defense and the undersecretary of defense for policy in interagency policy deliberations and international discussions and negotiations relating to space.
  • Participates in planning, programming, budgeting and execution activities, including advising the secretary, through the undersecretary of defense for policy, on DOD program and budget priorities for space.
  • Provides overall supervision of policy of the DOD for space warfighting, pursuant to Section 138 of Title 10, U.S.C.
  • Develops, coordinates and oversees implementation of DOD policy derived from, or developed consistent with, relevant national and DOD policy-related documents, including the National Space Policy, the National Space Strategy and the Defense Space Strategy.
  • Formulates DOD policy and guidance on:
  • Space forces, systems and their employment.
  • International agreements and legal regimes, including arms control and transparency and confidence-building measures affecting space activities.
  • Integration of space capabilities into operations and contingency plans.
  • Space cooperation with foreign defense departments, ministries and governments.
  • Reviews, evaluates and coordinates assigned space and space-related DOD Special Access Program activities, programs, plans and systems requirements and provides recommendations on such activities to the secretary and the undersecretary of defense for policy.
  • Oversees the implementation of DOD strategy and plans related to space forces, systems and activities.
  • Reviews and evaluates space and space-related programs, plans and systems requirements.
  • Oversees the management of the cadre of space professionals within DOD, in accordance with DOD directive 3100.16.5
  • Participates as a member of the Space Acquisition Council, which oversees, directs and manages acquisition and integration space systems and programs of the armed forces in order to ensure integration across the national security space enterprise (10 U.S.C. § 9021).
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Depends on the policy priorities of the administration
Requirements
  • Extensive background in military service is highly valued.
  • Strong understanding of national security issues and defense policy.
  • Previous experience working with lawmakers and government leadership is preferred.
Competencies
  • Ability to handle sensitive information.
  • Superior leadership skills.
  • Ability to engage with other key stakeholders, particularly in the national security and space enterprise domains.
  • Strategic thinker and ability to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.
Past Appointments
  • John Plumb (2022 to 2024): Principal director, chief of government relations, The Aerospace Corporation; senior engineer, RAND Corporation; director, Defense Policy and Strategy,
  • National Security Council, Executive Office of the President.6
AGENCY

Department of Defense

Mission: The mission of the Department of Defense is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of our country.

COMPENSATION

Level IV $176,300 (5 U.S.C § 5315)2

REPORTS TO

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy

SENATE COMMITTEE

Armed Services

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Footnote
  1. https://policy.defense.gov/OUSDP-Offices/ASD-for-Space-Policy/
  2. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/22Tables/exec/html/EX.aspxhttps://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/5315
  3. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R47582
  4. https://policy.defense.gov/OUSDP-Offices/ASD-for-Space-Policy/
  5. https://media.defense.gov/2020/Oct/30/2002527129/-1/-1/1/DOD-MEMO-ESTABLISHING-THE-ASSISTANT-SECRETARY-OF-DEFENSE-FOR-SPACE-POLICY.PDF
  6. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfplumb/
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