Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army
The Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army has a primary mission, as specified in Title 10 of the United States Code and reiterated in General Orders and Regulations, to provide direct support to the Secretary of the Army, the Under Secretary of the Army and other Army presidential appointees. In accordance with Army Regulation 25–59, OAA's office symbol is SAAA.
History
In 1789 Congress enacted legislation that provided for a Chief Clerk to assist the Secretary of War. As the United States grew, the duties and responsibilities for the Office of the Chief Clerk also grew. The associated bodies significantly expanded and the title changed. The office is known today as the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The Administrative Assistant has duties in Executive Services and Operations Support and Business Activities.
Executive Services
The Executive Services function comprises special staff elements formed to assist the Administrative Assistant in carrying out Title 10 responsibilities: maintaining custody of all records, books, and papers of the Department of the Army; acting on behalf of the Secretary on administrative matters; providing advice on management issues and administrative continuity within the Army during normal changes; and serving as the primary Army point of contact for transitions between Presidential Administrations.
Operations Support and Business Activities
In addition to its Headquarters element, business activities are carried out through a field operating agency that provides administrative products and operational services to a diverse and dynamic customer base: U.S. Army Headquarters Services. The customer base encompasses the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Defense agencies, and the Service Departments, as well as the Army’s Headquarters, Staff support, and field operating agencies. The OAA is also engaged in collateral agreements and customer/provider relationships with other Federal agencies. Its geographic network of products and services includes the Pentagon, major commands within the National Capital Region, and field agencies worldwide.
Mission, Vision, and Motto
Mission
The Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army provides executive-level administrative support to the Secretary of the Army and senior army leaders. OAA manages resources for Headquarters, Department of the Army; and manages the army publishing, records management, and heraldry programs. OAA also provides visual information services, security, safety, and other support services to a diverse customer base. The primary mission, as specified in Title 10 of the United States Code and reiterated in General Orders and Army Regulations, is to provide direct support to the Secretary of the Army and other Army political appointees.
Vision
An innovative, results-oriented organization recognized for service and workforce excellence.
Motto
Service and Workforce Excellence.
Organizational Structure
OAA has two principle components and a multitude of sub-components shown below.