Which department chairs the development of the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

Which department chairs the development of the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

• A. Department of Defense under the Secretary of Defense
• B. Department of State
• C. Department of Homeland Security
• D. Office of the Director of National Intelligence

Answer: (B)

The National Defense Strategy is the Defense Department’s planning document, led by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary chairs the process and sets the defense priorities that translate national security guidance into concrete policy, force structure, and resource decisions. The development gathers input from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commands, and DoD policy offices, all coordinated to produce a coherent strategy. Other departments like State, Homeland Security, and intelligence offices provide essential guidance and context for national security, but they do not chair the NDS development.

The National Defense Strategy is the Defense Department’s planning document, led by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary chairs the process and sets the defense priorities that translate national security guidance into concrete policy, force structure, and resource decisions. The development gathers input from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Combatant Commands, and DoD policy offices, all coordinated to produce a coherent strategy. Other departments like State, Homeland Security, and intelligence offices provide essential guidance and context for national security, but they do not chair the NDS development.