Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the DIA do?

The Defense Intelligence Agency is a Department of Defense combat support agency that produces analyses and disseminates military intelligence information.

2) Who works for the DIA?

Our workforce is a diverse mix of Military personnel and Department of Defense Civilian employees.

3) How many people work for the DIA and what is its budget?

Approximately 7500 men and women work for DIA worldwide. The exact numbers and specific budget information are not publicly released due to security considerations. The budget is based on justified requirements and is scrutinized by oversight officials within the Department of Defense and Congressional committees.

4) What is the meaning of the DIA seal?

The gold flaming torch represents knowledge. The earth represents our global intelligence mission. The red atomic ellipses symbolize the scientific and technical aspects of intelligence today and of the future. The 13 stars and the wreath are adopted from the Department of Defense seal and identify the Agency as a Department of Defense organization.

5) What is the difference between the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency?

While the DIA and CIA are both members of the Intelligence Community, DIA is the principal source of military-related foreign intelligence. The DIA serves as the Nation’s primary manager and producer of foreign military intelligence and as a Combat Support Agency of the Department of Defense. It fills a critically important need for a central intelligence producer and manager of the Department of Defense to directly support the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the Unified Combatant Command and the Military Services. The CIA is focused on providing foreign intelligence to the President, Vice President, National Security Council and members of the Cabinet.

6) How do I go about doing business or contracting with DIA?

For information on DIA’s contracting process and procedures, please visit the DIA Homepage at www.dia.mil, and view the CONTRACTING menu.

7) The DIA is a part of the United States Intelligence Community. Who are the other members of the Intelligence Community?

The United States Intelligence Community is led by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and is comprised of 16 elements: Air Force Intelligence, Army Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Coast Guard Intelligence, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of State (DOS), Department of the Treasury, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of National Security Intelligence, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Marine Corps Intelligence, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Security Agency (NSA), and Navy Intelligence.

8) How do I apply for employment at DIA?

The Civilian Operations Division maintains a resource pool for entry level positions (grades GG-07 thru GG-12) in the Intelligence Officer and Intelligence Support Officer fields. This pool is used to fill current and anticipated vacancies. Applicants interested in competing for entry into this pool should apply to the announcement titled, “DIA Entry Level Program” through the on-line application process within this web-site. Applicants interested in positions graded at GG-13 and above must apply directly to a vacancy announcement.

9)Does DIA offer summer internships to college students?

The DIA Summer Intern Program provides promising undergraduate students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during temporary employment with the Agency. For information on the program’s eligibility requirements, application submission process, and deadlines, please navigate to the Special Programs section of this web-site.

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