Dr. Kalev I. Sepp

About the DASD for Special Operations Capabilities (SOC)

Dr. Kalev I. Sepp is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations Capabilities.

Dr. Sepp is responsible for the Department of Defense global counterterrorism portfolio, which includes policy oversight of sensitive special operations missions, and formulation of the Department’s global counterterrorism strategy. He received his current appointment in July 2007.

A former U.S. Army Special Forces officer, he earned his Ph.D. at Harvard University, and his Combat Infantryman Badge in El Salvador.

He served as an analyst and strategist in Iraq and Afghanistan, and as an expert member of the Baker-Hamilton Bipartisan Commission on Iraq, a.k.a. the Iraq Study Group. For his work in Iraq, he was awarded the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal.

Dr. Sepp graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College with a Master's degree in Military Art and Science. He previously taught at the U.S. Military Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School.

SOC MISSION AND STRATEGIC GOALS

• Support the strategic shift within the Department to improve its capability and expand its capacity for irregular warfare.
• Support the establishment of SO/LIC & IC's role in existing DoD processes for managing capabilities and support refinement of those processes, as needed.
• Develop special operations capabilities vision and strategy for future joint forces and war fighters.
• Formulate and coordinate special operations policies and missions in support of Secretary of Defense strategic objectives.
• Oversee interdependent operational execution and force development of special operations policies for counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, foreign internal defense, tactical and operational PSYOPS, and international antiterrorism.
• Provide staff oversight of the United States Special Operations Command resources, budget, and program development issues.
• Serve as DoD lead for combating terrorism technology and capabilities development.
• Serve as the focal point for the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) for special operations policies and programs.
• Support the Assistant Secretary of Defense with special operations capabilities subject matter expertise and policy synchronization.

• Department of Defense (DefenseLink)
• Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
• Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy for Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities

You can contact us at:
Pentagon, Room 5E368
Phone Number: 703.697.3108
Fax Number: 703.697.5355

Corresponence can be directed to:
OUSD(P)
DASD SOC(OASD SO/LIC&IC)
2500 Defense
Washington, DC 20301-2500