The U.S. Department of Defense is a government agency focusing on national security, military forces, and civilian employment. Founded in 1947, it stands as America's oldest and largest government entity with a mission to provide military forces necessary to deter war and protect the nation's security. The agency not only manages the military but also employs thousands of civilian personnel.
The Department of Defense is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and led by CEO Susan Mark. With over 3.5 million employees, it is the nation's largest employer, boasting an annual revenue of $22.0 billion. The agency has a diverse workforce featuring 33.4% female employees and 41.8% ethnic minorities but lacks political diversity, with an unusually high proportion of Democratic Party members at 87%. Despite this, the Department of Defense is known for its strong employee retention, with staff members staying on average for 6.1 years and earning a median salary of $56,890 per year.
