Who is the Executive Agent for the Department of Defense Directive number 3216.1?

The Executive Agent for the Department of Defense Directive number 3216.1 is the Secretary of the Army. This role involves overseeing the implementation of policies regarding the use of animals in research and testing within the Department of Defense. The Secretary of the Army serves as the central authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the guidelines established in the directive, which encompasses all branches of the military and ensures that humane care and use of animals is maintained.

In the context of the directive, this executive authority is critical for establishing standards and ensuring that all operations involving animals in research adhere to ethical considerations and legal requirements. The responsibilities of the Secretary include not just management but also advocating for animal welfare across various defense activities, and the oversight needed to implement the principles outlined in the directive effectively.

The other choices refer to positions that support various functions within the Department of Defense but do not hold the executive oversight role defined by Directive 3216.1. Therefore, the Secretary of the Army rightly represents the executive authority as described in the directive.