Who is the civilian head of the Department of Defense?

The civilian head of the Department of Defense is the Secretary of Defense. This position is crucial as it ensures that the military remains under civilian control, which is a fundamental principle of the U.S. democratic system. The Secretary of Defense is responsible for formulating defense policies, overseeing military operations, and serving as the principal defense policy advisor to the President.

The role includes managing the Department of Defense's budget and strategic initiatives, as well as liaising with Congress regarding defense matters. This civilian oversight is essential to maintain accountability and alignment of military actions with the policies of the civilian government, differentiating it from military leadership roles which are considered more operational in nature.