Forensics and biometrics are separate disciplines that, when combined, are powerful tools in support of national security. The ability to identify individuals using their physical characteristics has game-changing implications for military operations as well as internal functions, such as access control for bases and computer networks.
"Forensics and biometrics enable a defense in depth equally capable of detecting threats on the battlefield and in our own facilities."
The Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency (DFBA) was established in September of 2012 to provide the Department of Defense a permanent body that could take advantage of rapidly-evolving technology. Biometrics, after being confined to a series of ad hoc organizations formed in response to the Global War on Terror, found a permanent home alongside forensics within the U.S. Army's Office of the Provost Marshal General (OPMG). DFBA, a component of OPMG, executes the responsibilities of the Executive Agent for DoD Forensics and Biometrics on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.