Defense Intelligence Agency is a United States government agency that collects intelligence (information) for military operations and related efforts. The agency, often called DIA, provides information to U.S. leaders, policymakers, and military personnel. It is part of the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Defense Intelligence Agency gathers information about armies, weapons systems, foreign leaders, and potential threats to U.S. security. It also deals with specialized information in a variety of other fields. The agency employs experts in military history, political science, chemistry, physics, computer science, economics, and numerous other areas. A military official serves as the director of the agency. The director oversees the Military Intelligence Board, which coordinates military-related intelligence efforts of various organizations.
The Defense Intelligence Agency began operations in 1961. Its headquarters are in the Pentagon Building outside Washington, D.C.
See also Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ; Intelligence service .
