The Defense Credit Union Council is a niche membership association representing the interests of credit unions operating on military installations worldwide.  By maintaining a close and constant liaison with the Pentagon, the Council supports its member credit unions and the Department of Defense (DoD) in coordinating policy, procedures, and legislation impacting morale and welfare, financial readiness, and the delivery of quality financial products and services to DoD personnel and their families.  The Council is comprised of 235 credit unions with over 14 million members. Organized in 1963, the Council is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors consisting of a representative from each of the services -- Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps -- plus three representatives at large. Approximately two-thirds of the Defense Credit Unions are federally chartered, and one-third are state-chartered. All are insured by either the National Credit Union Administration (the federal regulator), or an independent or state agency which meets federal standards.

For more than forty-five years, DCUC has been the primary liaison to the Department of Defense for defense credit unions, and has been the Department’s principal conduit to defense credit unions on military bases stateside and overseas. Whether working strategic or operational issues, or addressing regulatory or legislative matters, the Defense Council’s close working relationship with DoD has ensured members of the United States Armed Forces are provided financial services in the finest traditions of the credit union philosophy. 

The Defense Credit Union Council is a chartered partner of the Department of the Department of Defense Financial Readiness campaign, and as such, works with DoD to encourage the wise use of credit and the prudent management of personal and family resources.  The Council’s membership holds integrity, unselfishness and understanding, as essential dimensions of character, necessary for optimum service to military and civilian members of the Department of Defense establishment…and they serve with dedication and distinction in compliance with DCUC’s motto: "Serving Those Who Serve Our Country.”.

The Defense Council operates from day to day under the supervision of a President/CEO and a small staff from offices in Washington, D.C., and supports two Sub-councils --- the Defense Credit Union Overseas Sub-council and the Midwest Sub-council.