Department of Defense Announces First Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy

The Department of Defense announced Dr. Michael Sulmeyer as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (CP) and the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, Aug. 6.

The ASD(CP) is the senior official responsible for overall supervision of DoD policy for cyber operations. The ASD(CP) is under the authority, direction, and control of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)). In addition, ASD(CP) serves concurrently as the Principal Cyber Advisor (PCA) and, in that role, acts as principal advisor the Secretary of Defense on military cyber forces and activities. The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (DASD(CP)) and Deputy Principal Cyber Advisor (DPCA) report through the ASD(CP).

"The importance of cyber is continuously growing and Dr. Sulmeyer, with his experience, will propel this newly reconfigured policy office forward," said Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Ms. Amanda Dory.

Prior to his appointment as Assistant Secretary, Dr. Sulmeyer served as the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of the Army. While with the Army, he led the service's efforts to improve the cybersecurity of operational technology and control systems. Before his time with the Army, Dr. Sulmeyer served in multiple positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He also served as Senior Advisor to the Commander of U.S. Cyber Command, as well as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Cyber Policy on the National Security Council staff.

The Department of Defense established the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (ASD(CP)) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy (OASD(CP)) on March 20, 2024.