Midterm Policy Paper 8 pages double spaced Essay

Midterm Policy Paper 8 pages double spaced - Essay Example In 1789 the War Department was formed, which centuries later would come to be recognized as the Department of Defense. The Coast Guard which is a section of the Homeland security was later on to be established a year after the establishment of the war Department. In 1947, a decision was undertaken with the sole aim of unifying the various Departments under one roof. This decision led to the formation of the National Military Establishment in the same year. The National Military Establishment replaced the existing War Department at the time, as the war department was transformed to the Department of the Army. In this same year, there was an establishment of the U.S Air Force as it was followed by the creation of the Department of Air Force. Finally, with the senate’s approval and confirmation the existing three military branches of the army that included; the Air Force, the Army and the Navy were delegated under one person, the secretary of Defense who had direct control over t hem. In 1949, there was an amendment undertaken upon the National Security act that advanced one-step ahead by consolidating the national defense structure in a way that the cabinet-level status possessed by the three service secretaries was withdrawn from them. Later on the name National Military Establishment was to be converted and renamed as Department of Defense (U.S. ... This department is said to have evolved with the country as its roots can be traced back in pre-revolutionary times. In modern times, the Department of Defense is headed by Roberts Gates the secretary of Defense. In addition to this, the Department of Defense boosts over 1.4 million work forces under active duty. This department has earned the title of being the largest employer in America. The headquarters of the Department of Defense is based in Pentagon building (U.S. Department of Defense Para 2, 3, & 4). The major mission of the Department of Defense is to ensure that there is provision of military forces required for the sole purpose of deterring a war and above all to offers protection to the security of America. The Department also offers crucial and timely information on matters pertaining to defense policies operations, functions and organizations. Robert Gates History Dr. Robert M. Gates history within the American government circles is vast as the current government is ei ghth in number among the numerous governments he has served. Dr. Gates was sworn in as the 22nd Secretary of Defense in 18th of December 2006. His continued stay in office has earned him a record as the only secretary of Defense in American history to remain in office upon the prerogative of the newly elected president. Before his appointment in his present post, Dr. Gates was the president of the nation’s seventh largest University, the Texas A&M University. Before assuming his role as the president of the Texas A&M University on August 1st 2002, Dr. Gates was an interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service from 1999 to 2001 in Texas A&M. Dr. Gates involvement with the Central Intelligence