Each year Department of Defense schools worldwide outscore most every state in the U.S. on the National Assessment of Education Progress test (Kingston, 2002). This literature review is a culmination of multiple research studies done on various facets of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). It explores the contributing factors of success in DoDEA schools from a perspective of a potential new teacher applicant. This thesis begins with the history of DoDEA since its creation in World War II, and then leads into its chain of command, from the Secretary of Defense down to regional superintendents, school principals, and teachers. The adequate funding and financial resources of Do DEA are explained, along with the Community Strategic Plan, which is a set of guidelines that drives all school program decisions. School curriculum and instruction, professional development, and parent influence and the military's corporate commitment to excellent are also discussed. Perhaps, more than any other factor, the community influence and support for academic excellence contribute to its sustained success.