DNI meaning in Military and Defence ?

The director of national intelligence (DNI) is a cabinet-level United States government official, required by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to serve as head of the United States Intelligence Community and to direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program (NIP). The DNI also serves, upon invitation, as an advisor to the president of the United States and the executive offices of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council about intelligence matters related to national security. The DNI produces the President's Daily Brief (PDB), a top-secret document including intelligence from all the Intelligence Community agencies, given each morning to the president.

President George W. Bush strengthened the role of the DNI on July 30, 2008 with Executive Order 13470, which, among other things, solidified the DNI's authority to set goals for intelligence gathering and analysis, to set policy for the sharing of intelligence with foreign agencies, and the hiring and firing of senior intelligence officials. The DNI was given further responsibility for the entire Intelligence Community’s whistleblowing and source protection by President Obama via Presidential Policy Directive 19 on October 10, 2012.

Under 50 U.S.C. § 3026, "under ordinary circumstances, it is desirable" that either the director or the principal deputy director of national intelligence be an active-duty commissioned officer in the armed forces or have training or experience in military intelligence activities and requirements. Only one of the two positions can be held by a military officer at any given time. The statute does not specify what rank the commissioned officer will hold during their tenure in either position. The DNI, who is appointed by the president and is subject to confirmation by the Senate, serves at the pleasure of the president.

Upon the inauguration of President Joe Biden, the position was elevated to Cabinet-level.