About Us

No other institution is so perfectly postured to contribute to the search for peaceful solutions to the problems we face. And no other institution contributes so much to the assurance that, should peaceful means fail, the United States and its Allies will prevail.

What is the National Defense university foundation

The National Defense University Foundation (NDUF), established in 1982 as a non-profit organization, provides private sector support for the National Defense University in mission-oriented areas otherwise not funded by government appropriations. The University, by federal law, can not solicit or hold private funds and depends on the Foundation for additional financial resources and program support worthy of any great educational institution.

Through a comprehensive and nationwide fundraising and outreach program, the Foundation solicits philanthropic individuals, corporations, and organizations committed to a secure and strong America.  Additionally, NDUF in collaboration with the NDU develops and manages outreach programs that help educate and engage the American public for a better understanding of critical national security issues.

 

 

What is the National Defense University

The National Defense University is America 's pre-eminent institution for national security and joint professional military education, research, outreach and strategic studies.  Today, the University provides a rare environment in which senior military officers, diplomats, and professionals from the intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security communities are educated together in vital national security matters, building networks that will last for years to come.

Further, its various institutes and centers serve as scholarly “think tanks” and research resources for a broad variety of governmental customers.  NDU is now the center for joint, multinational, and interagency education in national and international security matters, helping prepare this and other nations' next generation of military and civilian leaders for their future responsibilities.

Why is the National Defense University so important today?

Our new national security challenges place a high priority on effective coordination of all the instruments of national power: diplomatic, political, economic, and informational as well as military force. The University creates the only opportunity for the professional practitioners within all of these disciplines to experience a common education – breaking down bureaucratic barriers to cooperation and increasing mutual trust and respect.

Perhaps more importantly, the University's student body also includes officers from as many as 60 nations at any one time, broadening and enlarging the community of professionals prepared to work toward global peace and security. No other institution is so perfectly postured to contribute to the search for peaceful solutions to the problems we face. And no other institution contributes so much to the assurance that, should peaceful means fail, the United States and its Allies will prevail.

National Defense University: Mission and Vision

MISSION

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders that have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world.

VISION

NDU will be the premier national security institution focused on advanced joint education, leader development and scholarship.

PURPOSE

"Educating, Developing and Inspiring National Security Leaders"

- Education is our business

- National security is the focus of our business

- Leaders are the essence of our business

 

GUIDING PRINCIPLES: The following principles shape the culture of NDU.

Academic Excellence: NDU shall always foster and promote scholarly distinction in its work and its people.

Academic Freedom: NDU shall always foster and protect free expression and open intellectual exchange based on responsible professionalism.

Diversity: NDU shall always embrace a mixture of people, culture, and ideas.

Integrity: NDU shall always foster and promote a culture of trust, honesty, and ethical conduct.

Growth: NDU shall always foster and promote an environment that nurtures individual intellectual development and physical well-being and encourages life-long learning.

Collaboration: NDU shall always foster collaborative, transparent, and inclusive processes and decision-making activities consistent with legal lines of authority and accountability.