Hunn Review: Annexes (30 September 2002)
Annex D
Comparative Studies: Higher Defence Structures in Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States
Figure 4: Top-Level Organisation for the United States Department of Defense
The Secretary of Defence, with the Deputy Secretary of Defence immediately subordinate, headed the organisational structure. The departments for the three services reported directly to the Secretary of Defence and Deputy Secretary. Each service department is headed by a secretary supported by the Under Secretary and Assistance Secretaries of the services and the Chief of Staff of the service. The exception is the Navy where there is a commandant of the Marine Corps in addition to the Chief of Naval Operations. The Chief of Staff of each service oversees the major commands and agencies within the service.
The Secretary of Defence oversees the Office of the Secretary of Defence and the work of the Under Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries and equivalents. The office oversees both Department of Defence field activities and Defence Agencies.
Eight Combatant Commands report to the Secretary of Defence but also to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Joint Chiefs of Staff is headed by the Chairman who is supported by the Joint Staff. The remaining members of the Joint Chiefs are the Vice Chairman and the Chief of Staff of each of the four services.
The Inspector General retains a direct reporting line to the Secretary of Defence.
