Frequently Asked Questions

1) What does the DIA do?

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

2) Who works for the DIA?

Our workforce is a diverse mix of soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and Department of Defense civilian employees.

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

More than 16,500 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 initial letters of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) also comprise the Greek word "dia," which means divided into two parts. In this instance, the flaming torch and its gold color represent knowledge, i.e., intelligence, "lighting" the way of the "known" light blue-green world against the darkness or unknown symbolized by the dark background "the area of the truth" still sought by the worldwide mission of the Agency. The two 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 (DoD) seal and identifies the Agency as a DoD organization. (Click here to view restrictions on use/display.)

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

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 (DoD). It fills a critically important need for a central intelligence producer and manager for the DOD to support directly the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the combatant commands and the Military Services. While DIA and CIA are both members of the Intelligence Community, DIA is the principal source for military-related foreign intelligence. CIA is focused on providing foreign intelligence to the President, Vice President, National Security Council and members of the Cabinet.

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

The Intelligence Community (IC) is led by the Director of National Intelligence and comprises of 16 elements: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Marine Corps Intelligence, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), National Security Agency (NSA), Office of Naval Intelligence, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Treasury Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of National Security Intelligence (DEA).

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