There are more than 30 Department of Defense agencies and field activities outside the military branches that perform functions critical to military services. From civilians inspecting items off the assembly line at a manufacturing plant to those performing cutting-edge research needed to maintain the Defense Department’s technological edge, these support agencies perform functions critical to military services. Acquisition involves the purchase of weapons and other systems, supplies, or services to satisfy DoD needs and support military missions. The acquisition lifecycle ranges from an initial idea to design, production and even the disposal of an item or service that’s no longer needed. Personnel within the 4th Estate are enablers of mission success. The 4th Estate Director, Acquisition Career Management (DACM) Office is dedicated to supporting the acquisition careers of all personnel across the 4th Estate.