Ash Carter This office can trace its roots back to the early days of the modern national security establishment.

It was created in 1949, two years after the National Security Act established the Department of Defense.

The ASD (ISA) is supported by seven Deputy Assistant Secretaries (DASDs), each with coverage of a different region or international organization.

Once at the DASD level, the latter are considered a part of the DoD Senior Executive Service.

The ASD (ISA) is also supported by a Principal Deputy, or PDASD, who helps manage the day-to-day operations.