National Security Act of 1947

JULY 26--The National Security Act of 1947 became law providing the most basic reorganization of defense activities since the creation of the Navy Department in 1798. The law established the National Security Council, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Resources Board, the National Military Establishment and the Office of Secretary of Defense. Within the National Military Establishment it established a third service, the U.S. Air Force, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Research and Development Board and the Munitions Board. It also defined the United States Navy as "including such aviation as may be organic therein."