ABOUT US

The Directives Division administers and operates the DoD Directives Program, the DoD Internal Information Collections Program, and the DoD Plain Language Program for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

The DoD Directives Program processes the documents that establish and implement DoD policy, called "DoD issuances." It:

Makes sure that the DoD issuances (Directives, Instructions, Manuals, Directive-Type Memorandums, and Administrative Instructions) properly codify DoD policies, assignment of responsibilities, delegations of authority, and procedures to implement Federal law, Executive orders, and Presidential Directives.
Establishes and implements DoD policy for the preparation, coordination, signature, and publication of DoD issuances.
Makes sure that the records of all DoD issuances are preserved in accordance with DoD policy.
Maintains the DoD Issuances Website, the only officially approved site for the publication of DoD issuances.

The DoD Internal Information Collections Program is a Secretary of Defense initiative to ensure DoD resources are efficiently executed. By keeping and maintaining up to date records of information collections required by DoD issuances, the Program prevents DoD resources from being expended on redundant and obsolete requirements. Directives Division manages, licenses, tracks, and maintains a repository of all internal information collections throughout the Department of Defense.

The DoD Plain Language Program implements the Plain Writing Act of 2010 to improve DoD efficiency by improving communications. The DoD Plain Language Website, maintained by the Directives Division, helps the Department of Defense "speak clearly" by providing guidance on how to write simply, clearly, and effectively. In addition, the Directives Division is working to:

Develop DoD policy on plain language.
Monitor and report on DoD implementation and compliance.
Develop and oversee DoD training programs.
Solicit and respond to public inquiries concerning the Plain Writing Act.