Pentagon investigators blocked from using ‘War Department’ in official documents

Ever since President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September authorizing the Defense Department to go by the “secondary title” of War Department, the Pentagon has been working to change its signage, signature blocks, and as many instances of “Defense” as possible. But that stops with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and its official filings, because “War Department” still isn’t a legal name.

Though DoD personnel and defense contractors have been compelled to use “War Department,” only Congress has the authority to officially change the department’s name. Lawmakers have made no moves to do so; most recently, they passed up the opportunity in the latest defense authorization bill. So where legal proceedings are concerned, DoD remains DoD, according to a memo for the department’s inspector general office signed April 1 by the assistant inspector general for legislative and communications.

The IG’s main concern appears to be that using the unofficial name in legal documents could undermine a criminal case.

“While the ‘Department of War’ label may serve a rhetorical or symbolic purpose, its introduction into official contexts has generated internal confusion and compelled legal safeguards,” a DCIS contractor, who asked not to be identified to prevent retaliation from his employer, told Defense One.

While the memo clears the IG to rebrand itself as the “Department of War Office of the Inspector General,” the use of that nickname will be limited.

“For DCIS in particular, the stakes are high: even minor deviations from statutory identity in criminal proceedings could undermine the integrity of cases aimed at holding individuals accountable for fraud, waste, and abuse within the government,” the contractor said. 

The memo also states that the DoD Hotline, the anonymous tip line for fraud, waste and abuse allegations, will keep its name. Nor will DoW be used in any memoranda of understanding or agreement with outside organizations, to prevent misunderstandings.

“The rebranding effort introduces unnecessary friction into interagency coordination, congressional oversight, and international engagements, all of which rely on the legally established identity of the Department of Defense,” the contractor said. “The internal guidance’s repeated emphasis on disclaimers, footnotes, and restricted usage underscores the extent to which legal and policy officials are attempting to contain that risk.”

And though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth personally replaced the bronze Department of Defense sign at the Pentagon’s river entrance in November, the memo explicitly says that no existing OIG office signage should be removed and budgeted funds can’t be used to buy DoW signs. 

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment about legally safeguarding investigations, or whether there is a push to convince lawmakers to make the War Department legal.