Department of Defense
Executive orders directing the Department of Defense · 29 in Obama · 118 all terms.
Related departments
Orders
29 shown · Obama
Presidential Determination and Waiver Pursuant to Section 2249a of Title 10, United States Code, and Sections 40 and 40A of the Arms Export Control Act to Support U.S. Special Operations to Combat Terrorism in Syria
This determination waives statutory prohibitions under the Arms Export Control Act and Title 10 to allow the Department of Defense to provide defense articles and services to foreign forces, irregular forces, groups, or individuals supporting U.S. counterterrorism operations in Syria. It delegates congressional notification responsibilities to the Secretaries of State and Defense, requiring 15-day advance notice before exports proceed or waivers take effect.
Advancing the Global Health Security Agenda To Achieve a World Safe and Secure From Infectious Disease Threats
This executive order institutionalizes U.S. participation in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), a multinational initiative to strengthen countries' abilities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats. It creates a new interagency council chaired by National Security Council staff, assigns specific roles to 13 agencies, and mandates reporting and external evaluation requirements through 2019.
A Comprehensive Approach to Atrocity Prevention and Response
This executive order institutionalizes the Atrocities Prevention Board (APB) originally established by Presidential Study Directive-10 in 2012, formalizing its structure, membership, and operational protocols across national security agencies. It mandates interagency coordination on monitoring, early warning, deterrence, and response to mass atrocities and genocide, with specific requirements for intelligence collection, civilian capacity deployment, training, and annual reporting to the President and public.
Developing an Integrated Global Engagement Center To Support Government-wide Counterterrorism Communications Activities Directed Abroad and Revoking Executive Order 13584
This executive order establishes the Global Engagement Center (GEC) within the State Department to coordinate U.S. government communications aimed at foreign audiences to counter terrorist messaging from ISIL, al-Qa'ida, and other violent extremists. It replaces the temporary organization created by Executive Order 13584 with a permanent center supported by a temporary coordination office (GECCO) and an interagency steering committee.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
This presidential determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory requirements for U.S. assistance in aerial drug interdiction, continuing a long-standing counter-narcotics program. It authorizes U.S. support for intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Colombian airspace, contingent on Colombia maintaining procedures to minimize civilian casualties. The determination requires publication in the Federal Register and congressional notification.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
President Obama certified that Brazil meets statutory requirements to receive U.S. assistance for aerial drug interdiction, finding that illicit drug trafficking poses an extraordinary threat to Brazil's national security and that Brazil has adequate procedures to protect innocent life during interdiction operations. The determination authorizes continued or expanded U.S. support for Brazil's counter-narcotics air interdiction program under Section 1012 of the FY1995 NDAA.
Drawdown Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 for France To Support Its Counterterrorism Efforts in Mali, Niger, and Chad
President Obama authorized an emergency drawdown of up to $10 million in Department of Defense services to support France's counterterrorism operations in Mali, Niger, and Chad, citing an unforeseen emergency under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The determination directs the Secretaries of State and Defense to implement the assistance and report to Congress.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
This determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in interdicting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking in Colombian airspace, continuing a long-standing counternarcotics program. It requires the Secretary of State to publish the determination in the Federal Register and notify Congress.
Creating a Federal Strategy To Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators
This memorandum establishes the Pollinator Health Task Force co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and EPA Administrator, directing federal agencies to develop a National Pollinator Health Strategy within 180 days and take immediate steps to expand pollinator habitat on federal lands, revise landscaping guidance, assess pesticide impacts, and increase conservation program acreage for pollinators.
Creating and Expanding Ladders of Opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color
President Obama established the My Brother's Keeper Task Force, an interagency initiative chaired by the Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary with the Deputy Secretary of Education as Executive Director, to improve life outcomes for boys and young men of color through better coordination of federal programs, data sharing, and public-private partnerships. The Task Force is directed to create assessment tools, evaluate federal policy impacts, and report back with recommendations within 90 days and a status report within one year.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
This determination certifies that Brazil meets statutory criteria to receive U.S. assistance for aerial drug interdiction, finding that illicit drug trafficking poses an extraordinary threat to Brazil's national security and that Brazil has adequate procedures to protect innocent life during interdiction operations. The Secretary of State must publish the determination in the Federal Register and notify Congress.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
This presidential determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in aerial drug interdiction under the 1995 NDAA. It continues existing authority for the U.S. to support Colombia in intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking, contingent on Colombia maintaining procedures to minimize innocent casualties.
Combating Wildlife Trafficking
This executive order establishes a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking co-chaired by the State Department, Interior Department, and Attorney General to develop a national strategy against wildlife trafficking. It also creates an Advisory Council of non-governmental experts to advise the Task Force, with specific deadlines for initial meetings, strategy production, and council establishment.
Drawdown Pursuant to Section 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 of up to $10 Million in Commodities and Services From Any Agency of the United States Government to the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) and the Syrian Opposition's Supreme Military Council (SMC)
This presidential determination authorizes an emergency drawdown of up to $10 million in nonlethal commodities and services from any U.S. government agency to provide food and medical supplies to the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Supreme Military Council for distribution to those in need. The determination waives normal legal restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act, citing an unforeseen emergency and U.S. national security interests.
Drawdown Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Amended, for Chad and France To Support Their Efforts in Mali
President Obama authorized an emergency drawdown of up to $50 million in Defense Department services and equipment to assist Chad and France in their military operations against terrorists and violent extremists in Mali. The determination was made under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, bypassing normal Arms Export Control Act procedures due to an unforeseen emergency.
Establishing the White House Homeland Security Partnership Council
This executive order creates the White House Homeland Security Partnership Council and its Steering Committee to institutionalize collaboration between federal field offices and local partners—including state/local/tribal governments, private sector, and nonprofits—to address homeland security challenges ranging from disaster response to terrorism prevention. The Council advises on priorities, promotes best practices, and convenes annually, while the Steering Committee sets its scope, selects members, and reports to the President yearly.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
President Obama certified that Brazil meets statutory requirements to receive U.S. assistance for interdicting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking in its airspace, finding that such interdiction is necessary due to the extraordinary threat of drug trafficking and that Brazil has procedures to protect innocent life. The determination requires publication in the Federal Register and congressional notification.
Regarding the Acquisition of Four U.S. Wind Farm Project Companies by Ralls Corporation
President Obama issued a rare presidential order under the Defense Production Act blocking a Chinese-owned company (Ralls Corporation, affiliated with Sany Group) from acquiring four Oregon wind farm projects near a U.S. Navy weapons systems training facility. The order mandates divestment within 90 days (extendable by 3 months), removal of all equipment within 14 days, and imposes ongoing CFIUS oversight and compliance verification.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
President Obama certified Brazil as eligible for U.S. drug interdiction assistance under the 1995 NDAA, specifically allowing support for intercepting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking in Brazilian airspace. The determination requires Brazil to have procedures protecting innocent life, including warning aircraft before force is used.
Developing an Integrated Strategic Counterterrorism Communications Initiative and Establishing a Temporary Organization to Support Certain Government-wide Communications Activities Directed Abroad
This executive order establishes a Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications within the State Department to coordinate U.S. government-wide counterterrorism messaging abroad, and creates a temporary Counterterrorism Communications Support Office to provide research and campaign support. Both entities focus on countering al-Qa'ida and violent extremist ideologies through strategic communications to foreign audiences.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
President Obama certified that Colombia meets statutory requirements for U.S. assistance in interdicting aircraft suspected of drug trafficking, continuing a program that allows U.S. support for aerial interdiction in Colombian airspace. The determination requires Colombia to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning aircraft before force is used.
Delegation of Certain Function and Authority Conferred Upon the President by Section 1535(c)(1) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011
This memorandum delegates the President's authority under Section 1535(c)(1) of the FY2011 NDAA to the Secretary of State, requiring coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to submit a specified report to six congressional committees on armed services, foreign relations/affairs, and appropriations.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
President Obama certified Brazil as eligible for U.S. drug interdiction assistance under the 1995 NDAA, specifically authorizing support for intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Brazilian airspace. The certification requires Brazil to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning protocols before use of force.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
This presidential determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory requirements to receive continued U.S. assistance for aerial drug interdiction, including the ability to identify and warn suspected drug trafficking aircraft before using force. The determination extends existing authority under the 1995 NDAA rather than creating new policy.
Directing Certain Actions With Respect to Acquisition and Use of Thomson Correctional Center To Facilitate Closure of Detention Facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
This memorandum directs the Attorney General to acquire and activate the Thomson Correctional Center in Illinois as a federal penitentiary, with a portion reserved for Department of Defense operation to house Guantanamo detainees. The Secretary of Defense is directed to prepare the facility and relocate designated Guantanamo detainees there, consistent with applicable laws and Executive Order 13492.
Directing Certain Actions with Respect to Acquisition and Use of Thomson Correctional Center to Facilitate Closure of Detention Facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base
This memorandum directs the Attorney General to acquire and activate the Thomson Correctional Center in Illinois as a federal penitentiary and to provide a portion to the Department of Defense for detainee housing. The Secretary of Defense is directed to prepare the facility and relocate Guantanamo Bay detainees there, consistent with Executive Order 13492 and applicable laws.
Provision of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Brazil
President Obama certified Brazil as eligible for U.S. drug interdiction assistance under a 1995 statute, specifically authorizing support for intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking in Brazilian airspace. The determination requires Brazil to have procedures protecting against innocent loss of life, including warning protocols before use of force.
Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia
This determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in interdicting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking, continuing authority originally granted under a 1995 law. It requires Colombia to have procedures protecting innocent life, including warning aircraft before use of force.
Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 201 of Public Law 110-429
This memorandum delegates presidential functions under subsections (a), (b), and (c) of section 201 of Public Law 110-429 (the Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008) to the Secretary of State, to be exercised in coordination with the Secretary of Defense. It is a routine interagency delegation of statutory authority with no substantive policy changes.