The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Military Personnel Policy supports Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness as the proponent for all military personnel policies and programs regarding recruiting, retention, compensation, travel and related human resources support for 2.1 million active and reserve service members. 

Within the Military Personnel Policy, the following organizations work diligently to deliver quality support to our Total Force: 

• Accession Policy – The Accession Policy Directorate provides advice and support on policies and programs pertaining to the recruitment and accession of both officer and enlisted personnel, enlistment standards and screening tools, recruiter access to colleges and high schools, analysis of recruiting resources and sustainment of the all-volunteer force.    
• Military Compensation Policy – The Military Compensation Policy directorate develops, implements and oversees military personnel policies that maintain fair and competitive compensation and entitlement systems. This directorate formulates, implements and administers Department of War policies on military personnel compensation, and on Reserve Component activation and duty status structure for the Total Force. Additionally, Military Compensation Policy chairs the Department of War Armed Forces Tax Council, which administers the military's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and initiates tax related legislation, litigation and administrative actions. Annual military pay raises, Reserve Component Duty Status Reform, consolidation of special pay authorities and the Blended Retirement System are focus areas for this directorate.   Additionally manages the Department policy  for station/housing allowances.
• Personnel Management – The Personnel Management Directorate develops total force military personnel policies and programs, and provides departmental oversight of the Military Departments, Joint Staff, and other DoW Components on assignments, separations, military decorations and awards, and force management policies and programs to ensure compliance with statutes, executive orders, and existing policies that sustain the All-Volunteer Force.  Provides the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Military Personnel Policy with insight and information from conducting personnel policy analysis. The office initiates and coordinates research and studies projects, initiates and coordinates data queries and other information requirements, and provides strength tracking and accountability for the Active and Reserve Components. Serves as the Department of War representative to the International Technical Cooperation Panel for human relations.
• General and Flag Officer Matters – The General and Flag Officer Matters Office provides advice and support to the Under Secretary of War on all matters relating to the development, promotion, and retention of senior officer in the general and flag ranks. The office is responsible for the processing of  all Active, Reserve, and Guard general and flag officer promotions and nominations through the Senate.
• Armed Forces Chaplains Board – The Armed Forces Chaplains Board makes recommendations to the Secretary of War and the Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness on religious, ethical and moral matters for the military services. Additional focal areas include the protection of free exercise of religion according to First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; procurement, professional standards, requirements, training and assignment of military chaplains and all religious support providers; procurement and use of supplies, equipment and facilities for religious use; promotion of discussions with civilian organizations regarding religious issues; and promotion of joint military endeavors for the delivery of ministry by the military services throughout the Department of War whenever feasible.
• U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command – The U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command is often referred to as “Freedom’s Front Door.” They have the unique and challenging mission of determining the physical, mental and moral qualifications of every new member of the armed services. It guards and defends our nation's freedoms by insuring qualified applicants are selected to serve our nation. The USMEPCOM is the first joint military and civilian organization providing a gateway through which applicants enter the armed service.

Military Personnel Policy is committed to developing and delivering policies and programs for the Total Force, active and reserve, that enable the continued viability of the all-volunteer force.

Contact Us

Email: osd.pentagon.ousd-p-r.mbx.osd-military-personnel--policy@mail.mil