Which official approves the PDM?

Which official approves the PDM?

• A. SECDEF
• B. SLRG
• C. DEPSEC
• D. CJCS

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a Program Decision Memorandum (PDM) is a high-level, DoD-wide program change that affects budgets and resources, so the final sign-off rests with the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense has the authority to approve program-level decisions that cross services or have broad fiscal impact, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the defense budget. While the Deputy Secretary or other senior officials may handle certain actions or sign in their delegated roles, the standard approval for a PDM is the Secretary of Defense. The other roles listed are involved in planning or advisory functions, but they do not carry the ultimate approval authority for PDMs.

The key idea is that a Program Decision Memorandum (PDM) is a high-level, DoD-wide program change that affects budgets and resources, so the final sign-off rests with the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense has the authority to approve program-level decisions that cross services or have broad fiscal impact, ensuring alignment with national priorities and the defense budget. While the Deputy Secretary or other senior officials may handle certain actions or sign in their delegated roles, the standard approval for a PDM is the Secretary of Defense. The other roles listed are involved in planning or advisory functions, but they do not carry the ultimate approval authority for PDMs.