United States Secretary of Defense to die was Frank Carlucci (1987–1989), on 3 June 2018. United States Secretary of Defense The Secretary of Defense (SecDef) is the leader and chief executive officer of the United States Department of Defense, the executive department of the Armed Forces of the United States. The Secretary of Defense's position of command and authority over the United States' military is second only to that of the President and Congress, respectively. This position corresponds to what is generally known as a Defense Minister in many other countries. The Secretary of Defense is appointed by the President with the advice and consent
Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and other Federal Department public affairs professionals. The ATSD(PA) is supported by the following divisions: The position was originally established as the "Assistant to the Secretary (Director, Office of Public Information)" by Secretary James V. Forrestal in July 1948. After Reorganization Plan No.6 of 30 June 1953 increased the number of assistant secretaries, Defense Directive 5122.1 of September 1953 redesignated the post as "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative and Public Affairs)" This position was abolished in February 1957, and functions were divided between two new posts, the "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)" and an "Assistant Secretary of Defense (Legislative