How many priorities are defined by the National Defense Strategy?

How many priorities are defined by the National Defense Strategy?

• A. Three
• B. Four
• C. Five
• D. Six

Answer: (B)

Four priorities guide the National Defense Strategy. This structure gives the DoD a clear framework to align planning, budgeting, and actions with the security environment, focusing on building a more lethal and ready force, strengthening alliances and partnerships, reforming the department’s operations for faster, smarter decisions, and maintaining robust deterrence in a competitive landscape. Keeping four priorities helps ensure balance—deterrence, readiness, partnerships, and reform—so resources aren’t skewed toward a single goal. The exact wording of the priorities can vary by edition, but the four-priority framework is consistently used, which is why four is the correct count.

Four priorities guide the National Defense Strategy. This structure gives the DoD a clear framework to align planning, budgeting, and actions with the security environment, focusing on building a more lethal and ready force, strengthening alliances and partnerships, reforming the department’s operations for faster, smarter decisions, and maintaining robust deterrence in a competitive landscape. Keeping four priorities helps ensure balance—deterrence, readiness, partnerships, and reform—so resources aren’t skewed toward a single goal. The exact wording of the priorities can vary by edition, but the four-priority framework is consistently used, which is why four is the correct count.