National Defense Strategy

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) focuses on the Department of Defense’s role in implementing the President’s National Security Strategy (NSS). It was officially put in place by Congress in Section 941 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2017 (Public Law 114-328), and in accordance with the National Security Act of 1947, to replace the Quadrennial Defense Review. There have been a total of four NDS reports, with the first issued in 2005. Prior to FY2017, the NDS was initiated by the Secretaries of Defense to build upon the concepts articulated in the QDRs. The NDS is prepared by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and is to be published every four years. The report outlines how the Department of Defense will contribute to achieving NSS objectives in order to maintain security and prosperity worldwide. The National Defense Strategy is required to discuss the global strategic environment, force posture, and the role of the U.S. in global security. 

 National Defense Strategy of the United States
 March 2005
 National Defense Strategy of the United States
 June 2008
 

 

 

 Full Volume

 

 

 Full Volume    
 Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld  Secretary of Defense Robert Gates