National Defense University

A graduate-level institution for military officers and civilians from the United States and allied nations, consisting of four colleges, five strategic research centers, and one leadership training program. The National Defense University grants master's of science degrees in National Resource Strategy and National Security Strategy. University facilities are located in Washington, DC, and Norfolk, Virginia. More than 1,000 students are enrolled, and more than 500 master's degrees are awarded each year.

History

Before World War II, needs for advanced scholarship in military strategy were met separately by each service branch on an ad hoc basis. The bloodiest war of the 20th century, however, brought to light the need for closer ties between the military, the defense industry, and the diplomatic community. The founding of the National War College (NWC) and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) in the immediate aftermath of the war addressed this need.

In 1976, the NWC and ICAF joined to form the National Defense University, which expanded with the addition of the Joint Forces Staff College in 1981 and the Information Resources Management College the following year. In 1993, another key milestone in the history of the National Defense University was passed when President Bill Clinton signed legislation granting the school authority to award master's degrees. This was in response to the Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986, which reemphasized the importance of joint services experience for the nation's military officers. The first master's degrees were awarded on June 15, 1994.

Research Centers

The National Defense University administers five research centers to broaden understanding of strategic areas of the world and one program to develop civilian leadership skills. The Center for Hemispheric Studies, founded in 1997, educates civilians from Western Hemisphere nations in military affairs. The Defense Leadership and Management Program was inaugurated the same year to develop leadership skills among civilians working in the defense field.

In addition, the year 2000 saw the establishment of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the Near [Page 494]East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies, and the Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs. Of these, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies is particularly notable for its role in fostering democratic governance in Africa through courses geared to civilian and military leaders from the continent. The Center for Technology and National Security opened its doors in 2001 to study the relationship between technological development and defense planning.

Present and Future

In the present global security environment, the role of joint operations, regional knowledge, and personal diplomacy is paramount. To meet these needs, which will play a vital role in global security, the National Defense University prepares military and civilian leaders from around the globe to face present and emerging security threats through education in military strategy and application of the latest technology, as well as foreign culture and strategic thinking.