Ms. Tara Jones currently serves as the Deputy Director for Defense Intelligence (Counterintelligence, Law Enforcement & Security (CL&S)). In this role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of policy, and alignment of resources and authorities, to conduct counterintelligence, law enforcement, and security programs, operations, and activities across the Department. As the Deputy Defense Security Executive, Ms. Jones chairs the Defense Security Enterprise Advisory Group, and serves as a senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Under Secretary for Intelligence & Security. Prior to her role as the Deputy, Ms. Jones served as the Chief of Staff to the Director for Defense Intelligence.

Ms. Jones previously served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, where she led policy development and implementation for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Stability and Humanitarian Affairs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. In this position, she was responsible for a broad range of issues related to International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and international engagement. She was the Department's liaison to the International Committee of the Red Cross, and Policy's focal point for international treaty implementation and reporting.

Ms. Jones was previously assigned to the Office of Rule of Law and Detainee Policy, where she led policy implementation and strategic communication efforts to ensure the Department's detention policy was principled, credible, and sustainable for 21st century warfare.

Prior to her Policy positions, Ms. Jones served in the Department's Public Affairs office, where she planned and executed special events and outreach activities for the Secretary of Defense, including to analysts, think tanks, and other interested parties.

Prior to her career at DoD, Ms. Jones was a legislative aide to a United States Senator, working primarily on defense and foreign policy issues.

Ms. Jones has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Nevada (Reno) and a Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.