The office of Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States Army was created in August 1921 as the replacement for a prior position, executive assistant to the Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
The appointment of the deputy chief of staff was made by the United States Secretary of War, based on the recommendation of the army's chief of staff. The deputy chief of staff was authorized to hold the rank of major general until World War II, when the deputy became a lieutenant general, then a full general. The deputy was the army's second-in-command and was authorized to aid the chief in providing overall direction and guidance to the organization. Specific responsibilities within the deputy's purview included review of existing policies and promulgation of new ones. In addition, the deputy chief of staff maintained approval and oversight responsibility of the army's budgetary and legislative direction. The deputy also determined guidance for the army's organization and manning, as well as administrative procedures for day-to-day operations. The deputy chief of staff was replaced in November 1948 with the position of Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
Individuals who served as deputy chief of staff included: