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		HISTORY ON C-SPAN.ORG Secretaries of Defense The careers of five Secretaries of Defense are higlighted through biographical information as well as historic newsreels, press conferences and interviews seen on C-SPAN's American Profiles and Booknotes. HISTORY OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE

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OVERVIEW | HISTORY | FORRESTAL
MARSHALL | MCNAMARA
CHENEY | RUMSFELD

The National Security Act of 1947 established the Department of Defense (named the National Military Establishment between 1947 and 1949) as part of a new national security structure for the United States. The office of Secretary of Defense was established at this point. Originally staffed with 3 special assistants in 1947, the office of the Secretary of Defense now employs more than 2,000 people. The Secretary of Defense oversees our nation�s military policies and reports directly to the president. The Secretaries of the 4 service branches report directly to the Secretary of Defense.

The Department of Defense is the largest of all the US governmental institutions.


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Histories of the Secretaries of Defense
Department of Defense history of all office holders

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