The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security: A Principal Advisor at the Pentagon

The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USD(I&S)) is a senior civilian official in the Department of Defense (DOD) responsible for overseeing intelligence, cybersecurity, counterintelligence, and security operations. This role ensures that military intelligence supports national security objectives and serves as a critical link between defense intelligence agencies, military operations, and policymakers.

Origins and Evolution

Before the establishment of the USD(I&S) role in 2003, military intelligence and security functions were scattered across various agencies. This lack of coordination created inefficiencies, delays in responding to threats, and challenges with intelligence-sharing.

• Pre-2003 Structure
• Intelligence operations were divided among multiple agencies.
• This fragmented approach caused delays and limited quick decision-making.
• There was no centralized leader overseeing defense intelligence, leading to gaps in cybersecurity and counterintelligence.
• Creation of the USD(I) in 2003
• The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD(I)) was created to better coordinate intelligence efforts within the DOD and across the Intelligence Community (IC).
• Expansion to USD(I&S) in 2020
• As cybersecurity and counterintelligence threats grew, the role was expanded to include security oversight.
• The title changed to Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USD(I&S)) to reflect the increasing importance of cybersecurity and digital defense.

Key Responsibilities

The USD(I&S) ensures that intelligence operations align with military strategy and national security goals while protecting classified information and preventing espionage.

Military Intelligence Oversight

• Directs and supervises key defense intelligence agencies:
• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA): Provides intelligence for military operations.
• National Security Agency (NSA): Manages signals intelligence and cybersecurity.
• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA): Oversees satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence.
• National Reconnaissance Office (NRO): Manages satellite surveillance.
• Coordinates intelligence-sharing with the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), CIA, and FBI.

Cybersecurity and Digital Defense

• Develops strategies to protect military networks and communications from cyber threats.
• Works with U.S. Cyber Command and the NSA for offensive and defensive cyber operations.
• Secures classified defense systems from cyberattacks and digital espionage.

Counterintelligence and Threat Protection

• Prevents foreign intelligence threats from infiltrating U.S. military operations.
• Oversees the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), responsible for background checks and security clearances.
• Identifies insider threats and unauthorized disclosures of classified information.

Security Policy and Risk Management

• Advises the Secretary of Defense on security policies related to classified information, defense technology, and military installations.
• Develops risk management strategies to prevent espionage, cyber intrusions, and intelligence leaks.
• Balances intelligence-sharing with security to protect classified information.

Coordination with National Security Agencies

• Works with the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to align defense intelligence operations with national security objectives.
• Collaborates with the CIA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and State Department on counterterrorism, cyber threats, and intelligence-sharing.
• Supports joint intelligence efforts for military operations, conflict monitoring, and crisis response.

Position in the Chain of Command

The USD(I&S) operates within a clear chain of command to ensure that intelligence and security operations are aligned with broader defense strategies.

• President of the United States: Supreme commander of U.S. Armed Forces.
• Secretary of Defense (SecDef): Highest civilian authority responsible for defense strategy and intelligence oversight.
• Deputy Secretary of Defense (DepSecDef): Coordinates daily defense operations.
• Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USD(I&S)): Oversees military intelligence, cybersecurity, and security operations.
• Defense Intelligence Agencies and Directors: DIA, NSA, NGA, and NRO report to the USD(I&S), along with other service-specific intelligence offices.

This hierarchy ensures intelligence and security operations are integrated into broader defense strategies while maintaining civilian oversight of military intelligence functions.

Challenges and Future Considerations

As global threats evolve, the role of the USD(I&S) continues to grow. Some of the most pressing challenges include:

• Cyber Threats
  Military networks are constantly targeted by cyberattacks, requiring strong digital defenses.
• Artificial Intelligence and Automation
  AI-driven surveillance and intelligence analysis must be balanced with security, precision, and accuracy.
• Foreign Espionage
  U.S. adversaries are increasingly using sophisticated methods to infiltrate defense agencies, demanding stronger counterintelligence measures.
• Balancing Intelligence-Sharing and Security
  Ensuring effective collaboration with allies while protecting classified information remains a key challenge.

Conclusion

The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (USD(I&S)) plays a critical role in safeguarding U.S. national defense. By overseeing military intelligence, cybersecurity, counterintelligence, and security operations, this position ensures that defense agencies operate efficiently and that classified information is protected. As modern warfare increasingly involves cyberattacks and digital espionage, the USD(I&S) will continue to be a key figure in securing military operations and maintaining strategic readiness in a rapidly evolving security landscape.