Who is responsible for authorizing the negotiation and conclusion of all international agreements within the DoD?

The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy holds the primary responsibility for authorizing the negotiation and conclusion of all international agreements within the Department of Defense (DoD). This position has overarching authority and oversight concerning defense policy matters and international relations involving the DoD. The Under Secretary's role is vital since they ensure that any agreements align with U.S. defense strategies, foreign relations, and national security interests, maintaining compliance with established laws and regulations.

This authority is delegated from the Secretary of Defense, who has the ultimate responsibility for defense operations and policy. However, the Secretary typically depends on the Under Secretary for Policy to handle the intricate details and negotiations involved in international agreements, illustrating a hierarchical approach to such responsibilities in the DoD.

Positions like the Chief of Staff and the Defense Attaché operate within different capacities. The Chief of Staff typically handles internal army operations and administrative matters, while the Defense Attaché acts as a military representative to foreign nations and provides diplomatic support but does not have the authority to negotiate international agreements on behalf of the DoD. Thus, the Under Secretary of Defense (Policy) is the correct choice as they directly oversee and authorize these crucial negotiations and agreements.