Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs)

The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs), or ASD(HA), is chartered under United States Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 5136.1 [1] in 1994. This DoDD states that the ASD(HA) is the principal advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Defense on all "DoD health policies, programs and activities."

The ASD(HA) reports to the Undersecretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness), or USD(PR). A political appointee, the ASD(HA) is an Executive Service Level IV official. He or she is nominated by the President of the United States, and confirmed by the United States Senate.

The current (2007 - 2008) ASD(HA) is S. Ward Casscells. Dr. Casscells was appointed and confirmed in early 2007, on the heels of the Walter Reed Hospital scandal and allegations of system-wide inadequate care for such problems as port-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Casscells launched a program of openness, transparency and accountability, including embedding a reporter at Walter Reed, establishing a TBI Center of Excellence, and speaking publicly about experiences with PTSD and the normal anxieties of combat. Casscells established an aggressive campaign to solicit service members' and families' participation in improving the Military Health System, including a regular blog and newsletters, with ample feedback opportunities. Finally, he has institutionalized DoD's role in international health development by creating the International Health Division in FHP&R, to develop policy and best practices; and partner with NGOs, other governmental agencies, academics and host nationals in promoting sustainable health improvements to deter conflict.

Dr. Casscells' term is expected to expire on 21 January, 2009, coincident with the Presidential inauguration.

The ASD(HA) is responsible for a number of organizations which directly affect the health care of service members and their dependents. These responsibilities are executed through several Senior Executive Service managers, including the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) and the following Deputy Assistant Secretaries:

• Force Health Protection & Readiness (FHP&R)
• Clinical and Program Policy
• Health Budgets and Financial Policy.

Other special activities include the TRICARE Management Agency, which is like a huge health maintenance organization for service members; and the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS), which educates uniform physicians and other health professionals for the Army, Navy, Air Force and Public Health Service.