Who are considered DOD personnel?

Department of Defense (DOD) personnel primarily refers to individuals who are employed directly by the Department of Defense. This includes military service members as well as civilian employees who work within various components of the DOD. Their roles can range from administrative support to technical and operational tasks that contribute to the overall mission of national defense and security.

The inclusion of Department of Defense employees in this context highlights their direct link to the DOD's operations and policies, which is essential for understanding counterintelligence practices and their relevance within the department. They are the individuals most likely to be involved in sensitive information management and security efforts to protect national interests.

In contrast, while defense industry contractors do work closely with the DOD, they are not classified as DOD personnel since they are employed by private companies rather than the government itself. Local law enforcement officers and federal emergency responders, while integral to public safety and security, operate within different spheres and do not fall under the DOD umbrella, making them separate from the recognized DOD personnel category.