Office Of The Under Secretary of Defense For Personnel & Readiness

Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Manpower & Reserve Affairs

Personnel & Readiness

MISSION

We are on a mission to ensure a strong, adaptable, and ready force supported through exceptional policy, programs, and services.

Overview

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) directs the overarching policies, programs and procedures that sustain our total force. We are the trusted source for reliable, timely resources and vital information serving leaders, service members, families, service providers and volunteers. Each of our deputates provides distinct services and dedicated support to our unified military and civilian community. Beyond internal policy, our leadership routinely engages with Congress, responding to inquiries and collaborating with key committees weekly to advocate for the critical issues impacting our Total Force.

Military Personnel Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Military Personnel Policy (MPP) ensures all personnel policies and programs fully empower our services and unified commands to accomplish their missions. These initiatives are strategically designed to support the long-term well-being, readiness and sustainability of the armed forces and our individual military members.

MPP Website

Civilian Personnel Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy (CPP) develops and manages the comprehensive plans, policies and programs that shape the Department of War’s worldwide civilian workforce. Together with the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service, we provide strategic policy leadership and essential personnel services supporting all military departments, defense agencies, the foreign national employment program and the non-appropriated funded employees.

CPP Website

Military Community and Family Policy

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Military Community and Family Policy (MC&FP) is directly responsible for establishing quality-of-life policies and programs for active duty, National Guard and reserve service members, their families and survivors worldwide. Military OneSource is the 24/7/365 gateway to programs and services that support the everyday needs of the military community.

MC&FP Website

Reserve Integration

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Reserve Integration (RI) aligns Reserve Component priorities across the Department of War, serving as the central representative and liaison for all seven Reserve Components. By ensuring seamless policy integration across the department, this office provides vital strategic engagement to support the unique readiness requirements of our Guard and Reserve forces.

RI Website

Defense Commissary Agency

The Defense Commissary Agency delivers a vital non-pay benefit through a worldwide network of 235 commissaries, ensuring service members, retirees and their families have access to quality groceries in a secure environment. This exclusive benefit yields significant savings compared to commercial grocery prices, directly strengthening the financial security and economic resilience of our military families.

DCA Website

Department of War Education Activity

The Department of War Education Activity is tasked with delivering academic excellence to military children across Pre-K through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of War. Operating 161 accredited schools worldwide, including our virtual campus, across eight districts, 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam and Puerto Rico, DoWEA exists to support military families, and transparency with parents is fundamental in all its activities.

DoDEA Website

Soldier getting medal pinned

Soldier with daughter

soldier with daugher