Department of Defense
Contents
The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is a crucial organization within the Department of Defense (DoD). Its primary function is to serve as the central source for all human resource information for the DoD, including military members, civilians, retirees, and their families.
Mission and Purpose
DMDC's mission is to support the security of DoD's networks, facilities, and personnel by maintaining accurate and up-to-date data. It is the DoD's leading provider of identity management, ensuring that the right benefits and entitlements are delivered to the right person at the right time.
Key Functions and Services
DMDC plays a pivotal role in the lives of service members and their families by:
| • | Identity Management: DMDC manages the systems for issuing Common Access Cards (CAC) and other DoD ID cards. It is a key component of the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), which is the database used to manage records for military personnel, retirees, and their family members, and to verify their eligibility for various benefits. |
| • | Benefits and Entitlements: DMDC is the authoritative source for information regarding DoD entitlements, benefits, and medical readiness. Through platforms like the milConnect portal, individuals can access and update their personal, healthcare, and personnel information. |
| • | Data and Analysis: DMDC collects and maintains an extensive archive of manpower, personnel, training, and other data for the DoD. This data is used for a wide range of purposes, including strategic decision-making, policy development, and readiness assessments. |
| • | Personnel Programs: DMDC operates various DoD-wide personnel programs, such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) websites, which provide tools for verifying military status. |
| • | Casualty Analysis: The DMDC maintains the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), which collects and maintains casualty information on U.S. military personnel. |
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a globally positioned, federally operated school system that provides education to the children of U.S. military members and DoD civilians. It operates a network of schools across the world and is a distinct educational entity from local public school districts.
DoDEA Schools at a Glance
| • | Global Reach: DoDEA operates 161 schools in 9 districts across 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These schools are organized into three geographic areas: DoDEA Americas, DoDEA Europe, and DoDEA Pacific. |
| • | Student Population: DoDEA serves approximately 67,000 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This represents a fraction of the nearly 900,000 military-connected children worldwide. |
| • | Workforce: The agency employs more than 14,000 employees, including teachers and support staff. |
Academic Performance
DoDEA schools consistently perform well on national and international assessments. In the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called "The Nation's Report Card," DoDEA students outperformed all states in reading and math for both 4th and 8th graders. The curriculum is aligned with College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS), which are designed to ensure students have a smooth transition between schools and are prepared for post-secondary education or careers.
Key Programs and Curriculum
| • | Standardized Curriculum: The DoDEA curriculum is standardized across all schools, which is crucial for the highly mobile military family population. This consistency helps ensure that students receive a similar quality of education regardless of their location. |
| • | Specialized Programs: DoDEA offers a range of programs to meet student needs, including: |
| o | Advanced Academic Programs and Services (AAPS): Designed for advanced learners, AAPS includes a continuum of services to challenge students academically and support their growth. |
| o | Career and Technical Education (CTE): Provides students with career-focused training and skills. |
| o | World Language Programs: Instruction is provided in a variety of languages, reflecting the global nature of the DoDEA system. |
| o | Host Nation Studies: Elementary students in overseas schools learn about the culture and language of their host country to foster cross-cultural understanding. |
Accreditation and Oversight
All DoDEA schools are fully accredited by U.S. accreditation agencies, ensuring they meet rigorous educational standards. DoDEA operates as a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, with its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The system is overseen by a director who manages all agency functions.