<P> The VA's primary function is to support veterans in their time after service by providing benefits and support . A current initiative in the Department is to prevent and end veterans' homelessness . The VA works with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness to address these issues . The USICH identified ending veterans' homelessness by 2015 as a primary goal in its proposal Opening Doors: Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, released in 2010; amendments to the 2010 version made in 2015 include a preface written by U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez that cites a 33% reduction in veteran homelessness since the creation of the Opening Doors initiative . </P> <P> The Department of Veterans Affairs is headed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate . </P> <P> The current Secretary of Veterans Affairs is David Shulkin . The third listed executive on the VA's official web site is its Chief of Staff (currently Jose D. Riojas); the Chief of Staff position does not require Senate confirmation . In addition to Secretary and Deputy Secretary, the VA has at least nine more positions requiring presidential appointment and Senate approval . </P> <P> The Department has three main subdivisions, known as Administrations, each headed by an Undersecretary: </P>

Is the department of veterans affairs part of the department of defense