Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy

Justin Johnson is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Full biography forthcoming.

 

The Principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense on National Security issues and Defense Strategy and the capabilities, forces and contingency plans necessary to implement the Defense Strategy.

   MISSION STATEMENT:

  • Support the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in providing the Department of Defense (DoD) with guidance to align resources, activities and capabilities with National Security and Defense Strategy goals.

  • Provide DoD input to the National Security Strategy and associated national, regional and functional strategies.

  • Provide the Office of the Secretary of Defense  input to the National Military Strategy

  • Develop National Defense Strategy (NDS), Guidance for Development of the Force (GDF) and Guidance for Employment of the Force (GEF)

  • Review campaign and contingency plans, major force deployments and military operational plans

  • Evaluate the capability of forces to accomplish U.S. Defense and National Security Strategy.

  • Develop policy and strategy guidance to enhance partner capabilities and compatibility with DoD.

  • Develop Global Force Posture policy and strategy and oversee implementation

  • Lead the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR)


Leadership

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities  

Vic Mercado is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities. He is responsible for advising the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy on national security and defense strategy; the forces, contingency plans, and associated posture necessary to implement the defense strategy; nuclear deterrence and missile defense policy; and security cooperation plans and policies. Mr. Mercado ensures that the Department’s program and budget decisions support and advance senior DoD leaders’ strategic direction, especially as articulated in defense planning guidance.

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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities  

Dr. Thomas Williams serves as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

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Contact Information

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans & Capabilities

2000 Defense Pentagon, Room 3C852A

Washington DC 20032