Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Oversight

The Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Oversight, or ATSD(IO) is responsible to the Secretary of Defense for the independent oversight of all intelligence, counterintelligence, and intelligence-related activities in the Department of Defense. The organization's charter is articulated in DoD Directive 5148.11. The ATSD (IO) ensures that all activities performed by intelligence, counterintelligence, and intelligence related units are conducted in accordance with Federal law, Executive Orders, DoD directives, regulations and policies.

Responsibilities
The ATSD(IO) came into existence in December 1982, assuming the responsibilities of the Inspector General for Intelligence (although there now exists a Deputy Inspector General for Intelligence in addition to the ATSD(IO)).

The ATSD(IO) is charged with the management and direction of the DoD Intelligence Oversight program. The aim of the DoD program is to institutionalize:


 * The orientation and training of all intelligence personnel in intelligence oversight concepts,


 * An internal inspection program, and


 * A channel for the reporting of questionable or improper intelligence activities to the ATSD(IO) and the DoD General Counsel, who are responsible for informing the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Included in the DoD IO program are the intelligence, counterintelligence, and intelligence related units, staffs, and activities of the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Military Services, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.