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Australian Defence Staff (Washington) operates under a Joint Directive from the Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary. The Head of the Australian Defence Staff (Washington), also known as HADS(W), is the Australian Defence Attaché in the United States and brings a whole-of-department approach to the direction in which the Washington Post moves. The position also allows access to the higher end of the policy spectrum within the United States Department of Defence.

The Australian Defence Staff's (Washington) mission is to promote Australia’s security interests.

The Australian Defence Staff (Washington) consists of a number of Branches. Each Branch provides HADS(W) and the Ambassador with specialists military advice. Branches also represent their respective single Service or Group Head.

ADS(W) Branches are as follows: 

• Chief of Staff, provides joint and support staff to ADS(W).
• Office of the Naval Attaché, provides maritime force advice to ADS(W) and is the Chief of Navy's representative in North America.
• Office of the Military Attaché, provides land force advice to ADS(W) and is the Chief of Army's representative in North America.
• Office of the Air Attaché, provides airpower advice to ADS(W) and is the Chief of Air Force's representative in North America.
• Office of the Counsellor Defence Policy, responsible for International Strategic Policy and Intelligence functions in North America.
• Office of the Counsellor Defence Science, provides research and development advice to ADS(W) and is the Chief Defence Scientist representative in North America
• Office of the Counsellor Defence Materiel, provides acquisition advice to ADS(W) and is the Chief Executive Officer Defence Materiel Organisation representative in North America