Who is responsible for the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

Who is responsible for the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

• A. CJCS
• B. The President
• C. SecDef / SecWar
• D. SecAF

Answer: (C)

The National Defense Strategy is a Defense Department document that translates national security goals into defense policy and resources. The official responsible for creating and issuing the NDS is the Secretary of Defense, who leads the department and aligns the services, capabilities, and plans to meet those priorities. The President sets the broader direction, but the NDS itself is owned and produced by the Secretary of Defense. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provides input and advice, but does not own the strategy. The Secretary of the Air Force contributes within the DoD, yet the overall responsibility remains with the Secretary of Defense.

The National Defense Strategy is a Defense Department document that translates national security goals into defense policy and resources. The official responsible for creating and issuing the NDS is the Secretary of Defense, who leads the department and aligns the services, capabilities, and plans to meet those priorities. The President sets the broader direction, but the NDS itself is owned and produced by the Secretary of Defense. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provides input and advice, but does not own the strategy. The Secretary of the Air Force contributes within the DoD, yet the overall responsibility remains with the Secretary of Defense.