DoD (Department of Defense)
The Department of Defense (DoD) is the federal executive department responsible for national security and the United States Armed Forces. For cleared professionals, DoD is significant because it oversees most security clearance processes and is the largest employer of cleared personnel.
Quick Facts
| Role | National defense and military operations |
| Clearance authority | Processes most federal clearances through DCSA |
| Workforce | Largest employer of cleared personnel |
| Components | Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, defense agencies |
DoD and Security Clearances
The Department of Defense plays a central role in the clearance system[1]:
Clearance processing:
- DCSA (a DoD agency) conducts most federal background investigations
- DoD CAF adjudicates clearances for DoD and many other agencies
- Sets policy through DoD directives and instructions
Scope of responsibility:
- Military personnel clearances
- DoD civilian employee clearances
- Defense contractor clearances
- Support for other federal agencies
Key DoD Security Organizations
DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency)
Conducts background investigations and industrial security[3]:
- Investigations for clearances
- Continuous vetting
- Facility clearance oversight
DoD CAF (Consolidated Adjudications Facility)
Makes clearance eligibility decisions:
- Reviews completed investigations
- Applies adjudicative guidelines
- Issues clearance determinations
OUSD(I&S)
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security:
- Sets security policy
- Oversees security programs
- Coordinates with intelligence community
DoD Clearance Population
DoD clears the largest number of personnel[2]:
Military:
- Active duty service members
- Reserve and National Guard
- Military retirees with continued access
Civilian:
- DoD employees
- Support contractors
- Research personnel
Contractors:
- Defense industry employees
- IT and cybersecurity
- Engineering and technical
DoD Security Directives
Key policies governing DoD clearances[1]:
| Directive | Coverage |
|---|---|
| DoD 5220.22-M (NISPOM) | Industrial security |
| DoDI 5200.02 | Personnel security program |
| DoD 5200.2-R | Personnel security requirements |
These directives implement national policy for DoD-specific requirements.
Working with DoD
Direct employment:
- Federal civilian positions
- Uniformed military
- Direct hire authorities
Contract employment:
- Through defense contractors
- Requires contractor sponsorship
- Facility clearance needed
Related
References
- ^ DoDI 5200.02: DoD Personnel Security Program. Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ DoD 5220.22-M: National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). Department of Defense. Accessed 2026-01-08.
- ^ DCSA Personnel Vetting. Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. Accessed 2026-01-08.