 Poindexter went on to serve in the Reagan administration as military assistant to the National Security Advisor (1981–1983) and Deputy National Security Advisor (1983–1985) prior to his appointment as National Security Advisor (1985–1986).From 1983 to 1985, Poindexter was responsible for leading and managing the National Security Council staff as chairman of the Crisis Pre-planning Group.As National Security Advisor, Vice Admiral Poindexter was responsible for providing recommendations to the President on national security, foreign policy and defense policy.