Understanding National Defense University

The members of the National Defense University (NDU) community ­ students, faculty, staff, and leadership:

Purpose

“Educating National Security Leaders"

Mission Statement

  The National Defense University educates military and civilian leaders through teaching, research, and outreach in national security strategy, national military strategy, and national resource strategy; joint and multinational operations; information strategies, operations, and resource management; acquisition; and regional defense and security studies.

 Vision

The National Defense University: an information age university for national security leaders; a learning organization founded on knowledge management; the center of excellence and innovation for professional military education in joint, multinational, and interagency operations.

Strategic Goals

HUMAN RELATIONS
Celebrate human dignity, service, and intellectual achievement.

HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Champion the development of faculty, staff, students, and graduates.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Build curricula, research, and outreach that strengthen national security.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Foster a "community of learning" enriched by our unity and diversity.

INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Communicate "our story" internally and externally.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Exploit technology that achieves our mission, vision, and goals.

SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Provide quality services and state-of-the-art facilities.

RESOURCES
Exercise stewardship of resources.

Values

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING, RESEARCH AND OUTREACH
Fostering an open, creative and stimulating environment for learning.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY
Providing the climate to pursue and express ideas, opinions, and issues relative to the university purpose, free of undue limitations, restraints, or coercion by the organization or external environment; accomplishing institutional learning and objectives.

DIVERSITY OF THOUGHT AND KNOWLEDGE
Sustaining an environment characterized by diversity of thought, and open inquiry; intellectual honesty, and institutional responsibility of high-quality faculty, staff, and students.

INTELLECTUAL RIGOR
Executing quality learning and research processes; meeting the highest standards of academe.

RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Fostering an environment in which all are treated with dignity and without discrimination; acting in a collegial manner.

ETHICAL CONDUCT
Doing what is right; placing principle first.

TEAMWORK
Working together to create knowledge, to develop relevant disciplines of study, and to build the university.

SERVICE
Contributing to our Armed Forces, our Nation and our communities.

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Mission

 The National Defense University is responsible for the following:

 • Prepare selected commissioned officers and civilian officials from the Department of Defense, Department of State, and other agencies of the Government for command, management, and staff responsibilities in a multinational, intergovernmental, and joint national security setting. The curricula of the two senior Colleges—the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the National War College—emphasize the development and implementation of national security strategy and military strategy, mobilization, acquisition, management of resources, information and information technology for national security, and planning for joint and combined operations. A select group of students participates in the Information Strategy Concentration Program. In addition to mission-specific education, the Colleges emphasize developing executive skills.

 • Prepare, through the Joint Forces Staff College curriculum, mid-career officers for joint and combined staff duty.

 • Promote, through the Information Resources Management College, excellence in information resources management education for executive users of information systems at senior and intermediate levels.

 • Provide, through the Institute for National Strategic Studies, research and gaming resources and symposia for the benefit of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the National Defense University, and other Federal departments and agencies involved in national security.

 •Conduct short-range and long-range studies of national security policy, military strategy, the allocation and management of resources for national security, and civil-military affairs. Associated research is centered on College missions and is relevant to Joint Staff and Office of the Secretary of Defense study requirements. A goal of University research is to create a national repository of expertise on mobilization, military strategy, and joint or combined policy and plans.

 • Promote understanding and teamwork among the Armed Forces and between those agencies of the Government and industry that contribute to national security.

Organization

 The President of the University, who reports to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is a lieutenant general or vice admiral chosen on a rotating basis from one of the military services. The Senior Vice President is a foreign service officer of ambassadorial rank appointed by the Department of State. The Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff reports directly to the President and provides a range of support functions to the University and Colleges. The Directors of the Institute for National Strategic Studies, the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the Near East South Asia Center and the Vice President of Academic Affairs, University Relations and Information Technology/CIO also report directly to the President.

The President's staff includes professionals with a combination of educational and military experience that enables them to assess ongoing academic programs, to interact with key Joint Staff and DOD officials, to maintain liaison with the Service headquarters and other Government agency staffs, and to work closely with civilian academic institutions.

The College Commandants and Director, Information Resources Management College, report directly to the President, who provides them with policy guidance and direction. The Commandants have principal responsibility for curriculum development, student activities, faculty development, and matters of College internal administration.

The College faculties represent a wide range of disciplines and combine the diversified experience and technical expertise of the military profession with the disciplinary training and specialization of civilian education. More than half the faculty members are military officers, divided almost equally among the services. Their credentials reflect specialties relevant to the curricula of the Colleges, and they have outstanding records and requisite graduate education. The military faculty represents considerable military service in both operational and staff assignments. Some civilian faculty members are senior officials on loan from parent agencies, such as the Department of State, DOD, and non-DOD agencies. Others are eminently qualified professors recruited from the academic community. Together, they represent a rich and varied experience.

Other University elements include: The CAPSTONE Course for new flag officers, the Office of Reserve Affairs, the School for National Security Executive Education, the NATO Staff Officer Orientation Course, the International Student Management Office and the National Security Education Program.

 

Command Group

PAUL G. GAFFNEY II, Vice Admiral, USN,
President B.S., U.S. Naval Academy;
M.A., Catholic University;
M.B.A., Jacksonville University

ROBIN LYNN RAPHEL, Ambassador,
Senior Vice President
B.A., University of Washington;
M.A., Cambridge University, England;
M.A., University of Maryland

CLYDE M. NEWMAN,
Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff
B.S., Arkansas Technical University;
M.P.A., University of Missouri;
Command and General Staff College;
Army War College

JAMES M. KEAGLE,
Vice President of Academic Affairs
B.S., U.S. Air Force Academy;
M.A., University of Pittsburgh;
M.A., Ph.D., Princeton University;
National War College

MILES BALDWIN,
Chief Information Officer
B.M.E., M.S., M.Eng., University of Louisville;
M.B.A., Auburn University
Air War College

MICHAEL G. HANPETER
Vice President for University Relations
A.B., M.A., University of Notre Dame

STEPHEN J. FLANAGAN
NDU Vice President for Research Director,
INSS B.A., Columbia University;
M.A., M.A.L.D., Ph.D., Fletcher School, Tufts University

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History

Before World War II, American scholarship in the profession of arms matured in each of the military services more or less independently. Requirements for further studies for leaders of the Nation's land, sea, and air forces were met as they arose—and with distinction—by postgraduate colleges set up by and for the respective services. The 20th century imposed a growing need for closer ties between force and diplomacy, between America's military services and the industrial plant that arms them, and particularly among our military centers of higher learning and research. This need prompted the formation after World War II of two joint schools: The National War College (NWC) and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).

In 1976, those Colleges were brought into the National Defense University, a historic pooling of our defense community's intellectual resources. They were joined in 1981 by the Armed Forces Staff College, now the Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC), and a year later by the Department of Defense Computer Institute, now the Information Resources Management College (IRMC). Although these four Colleges lie at the heart of the University's educational mission, the last two decades have seen marked growth and many innovations in the University's own support and research functions. The University has doubled the elective courses offered by its Colleges, upgraded its faculty's credentials, and, in 1984, expanded its research programs by creating the Institute for National Strategic Studies (INSS).

Following the Congressional legislation known as the Goldwater-Nichols Act (1986) and the House Armed Services Committee Skelton Panel Report (1989), the University decided to seek authority to grant master's degrees to graduates of the Industrial College and the National War College. The United States Department of Education conducted an extensive review of both programs and, in 1992, so recommended to Congress. On November 30, 1993, President William Clinton signed legislation providing the president of NDU the authority to confer the degree of Master of Science in National Resource Strategy upon graduates of the Industrial College, and the Master of Science in National Security Strategy upon graduates of the National War College. Degrees were conferred for the first time at graduation ceremonies on June 15, 1994. The University is accredited with the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association. Initial accreditation was granted on February 20, 1997. In accordance with the Middle States Association policy, those degrees awarded from academic year 1994-1995 forward are accredited.

Established in September 1997, the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies has the mission of developing civilian specialists in defense and military matters, from all of the Western Hemisphere’s democratic countries, including the United States. The Office of the Secretary of Defense initiated the first Defense Leadership and Management Program (DLAMP) course at National Defense University in 1997 to serve as a focal point for “joint” civilian leader training, education, and development. Under a DoD initiative, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), and Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs were established at NDU in 2000. The mission of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies is to support democratic governance in Africa by offering senior African civilian and military leaders a seminar experience designed to promote informed and productive inquiry on the military's role in a democracy. NESA offers executive and senior executive courses, holds an annual conference and sponsors seminars focusing on subregional areas of interest. The Center for Technology and National Security was established in 2001 to study the implications of technological innovation for U.S. national security policy and military planning.

Over the last decade, the university’s mission has grown dramatically. It now provides not only the nation’s premier joint military education, but also conducts outreach programs across every continent, and serves as a primary research and policy development institution for the Department of Defense. As the University moves into the new century, it continues to expand and refine its approach to education, outreach and research in order to provide the nation’s leaders the tools necessary to successfully sustain our Nation’s position within the world community.

President Theodore Roosevelt delivering the address at the laying of the cornerstone of the building
that now bears his name and houses the National War College

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University Policies and Procedures

The principal policies and procedures applicable to all NDU students are:

Nonattribution—Presentations by guest speakers, seminar leaders, and panelists, including renowned public officials and scholars, constitute an important part of University curricula. So that these guests, as well as faculty and other University officials, may speak candidly, the University offers its assurance that their presentations at the Colleges, or before other NDU-sponsored audiences, will be held in strict confidence. This assurance derives from a policy of nonattribution that is morally binding on all who attend: without the express permission of the speaker, nothing he or she says will be attributed to that speaker directly or indirectly in the presence of anyone who was not authorized to attend the lecture.

Attendance and hours—The University operates on a five-day workweek, Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. Staff and faculty hours are generally 0800-1630 at Fort McNair and 0730-1600 in Norfolk, while student hours are prescribed by their weekly academic schedules. On occasion, evening programs may be included. Students are required to attend all classes and participate in appropriate academic functions unless prevented by illness or emergency.

Equal opportunity—Students are selected for attendance at the National Defense University by their organizations or services. These selections are based on the qualifications and potential of the individuals and not on race, sex, or religion. Concomitantly, all members of the NDU staff and faculty are employed under government standards of equal opportunity.

The University expects that students will take full part in its program until the end of the academic year. Early departures are not permitted. All students will observe an academic recess over the Christmas holiday period. Students will remain in a duty status but will not be required to report to school. Those planning to be away from their local area of residence for more than 72 hours are required to take leave. For ICAF, NWC, and IRMC students, the local area of residence is the Washington metropolitan area; for JFSC students, it is the Tidewater area.

The demands of the academic program are recognized by the services and agencies, which have agreed not to encumber their representatives with outside requirements during their course of study.

Security—All necessary steps are taken to meet government standards of security in safeguarding classified material, individual safety, and personal property. These provisions include use of controlled access, guards, personnel identification, and employment standards that are adequate to prevent unauthorized disclosure or loss of classified material and to enhance the welfare of university members.

 

The Fort McNair Campus

The Fort McNair campus offers a full range of educational, social, and recreational opportunities. Students have access to a wide variety of cultural resources and government facilities in the Washington metropolitan area. Moreover, the proximity of the Inter-American Defense College (also located on Fort McNair) allows NWC and ICAF students the opportunity to form ties with Latin American students through Operation Amistad, which encourages mutual social events, home hospitality, and activities in the community.

Programs such as the NDU Distinguished Lecture Program, ICAF Distinguished American Seminars, and NWC Distinguished Visitors Day bring eminent speakers and prominent citizens to the Fort McNair campus. Students have the opportunity to meet and talk with many of these individuals during colloquia and luncheons.

A wide range of athletic activities is available throughout the academic year. Competition between the resident Colleges invites involvement in 13 sports, including basketball, softball, tennis, and volleyball. In addition, intramural softball is a popular student pastime, and the annual Jim Thorpe Sports Day gives students the opportunity to compete at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with students from the other senior service schools in a broad array of athletic events.

Each college sponsors a spouses club. In addition, evening social programs are organized by geographical locations to serve students who live in widely dispersed sections of the Washington metropolitan area.

 

The Norfolk Campus

Students at the Norfolk campus have the benefit of being part of an inter-service student body. The Norfolk metropolitan area affords convenient visits to numerous military and government installations, educational institutions, and cultural and recreational facilities.

A full spectrum of activities is designed to offer students a variety of rewarding experiences. The Guest Speaker Program furnishes instruction not available through other forums. As is the policy throughout the University, guest lecturers are encouraged to present their views in an environment of academic freedom and responsible intellectual inquiry. Students have the opportunity for closer contact with the visitors through question-and-answer periods and luncheons.

Students can choose to work out in a modern, fully equipped fitness center. The fitness center and officers' club are free to students. A year-round program of athletic activities is conducted for students, staff, faculty, and families. The College organizes leagues made up of seminar teams for volleyball and softball, plus tournaments for individual sports such as tennis and golf. JFSC also sponsors athletic awards programs to recognize excellence in golf, softball, and volleyball.

Health and fitness are encouraged for  faculty, staff, and students of NDU

National Defense University - Federal Holiday/Training Holidays

Academic Year 2002-2003:

	Training Holidays	Federal Holidays
Labor Day	30 Aug - 2 Sep	2 Sep
Columbus Day	11-14 Oct	14 Oct
Veterans Day	11 Nov	11 Nov
Thanksgiving	28 Nov - Dec 1	28 Nov
Christmas	24-25 Dec	25 Dec
New Year's	31 Dec - 1 Jan 03	1 Jan 03
Martin Luther King Day	17-20 Jan	20 Jan
President's Day	14-17 Feb	17 Feb
Memorial Day	23-26 May	26 May
Independance Day	3-6 Jul	4 Jul

Academic Year 2003-2004:

	Training Holidays	Federal Holidays
Labor Day	29 Aug - 1 Sep	1 Sep
Columbus Day	10-13 Oct	13 Oct
Veterans Day	10-11 Nov	11 Nov
Thanksgiving	27-30 Nov	27 Nov
Christmas	24-25 Dec	25 Dec
New Year's	31 Dec - 1 Jan 04	1 Jan 04
Martin Luther King Day	16-19 Jan	19 Jan
President's Day	13-16 Feb	16 Feb
Memorial Day	28-31 May	31 May
Independance Day	2-5 Jul	4 Jul

National Defense University - Calendar of Events

Academic Year 2002-2003:

Date	Event
Mon, 12 August 2002	Begin ICAF/NWC AY 2002-2003
Tues, 13 Aug	NDU Convocation
Wed, 21 Aug, 1330-1500	Elective Openhouse
W-M, 21-26 Aug	Elective Registration
Tues, 27 Aug	What’s Best Run
Tues, 9 Sept	AMP 25 Start Date
Mon, 16 Sept	Fall Electives Begin
M-W, 28 - 30 Oct	Spring Elective Registration
M-F, 2 - 6 Dec	AMP 25 Travel
Wed, 4 Dec	Fall Electives End
Fri, 13 Dec	AMP 25 Graduates
Mon, 16 Dec-Wed, 1 Jan 2003	ICAF/NWC Winter Recess
Mon, 6 Jan	AMP 26 Start Date
Mon, 13 Jan	Spring Electives Begin
Wed, 2 Apr	Spring Electives End
M-F, 31 Mar-4 Apr	AMP 26 Travel
Fri, 11 Apr	AMP 26 Graduates
11 Jun 2003	ICAF/NWC Graduation
The SSS schedules include 18 weeks in the fall semester, and 23 weeks spring semester.

* Please note: Primary dates for Elective classes will be Tuesday & Wednesday. Electives cover a 12-week period each semester.

Academic Year 2003-2004:

Date	Event
Mon, 11 August 2003	Begin ICAF/NWC AY 2002-2003
Tues, 12 Aug	NDU Convocation
Wed, 20 Aug, 1330-1500	Elective Openhouse
W-M, 20-25 Aug	Elective Registration
Tues, 8 Sept	AMP 27 Start Date
Mon, 15 Sept	Fall Electives Begin
Mon, 27 Oct	Spring Elective Openhouse (tentative)
M-W, 27-29 Oct	Spring Elective Registration
M-F, 1-5 Dec	AMP 27 Travel
Wed, 3 Dec	Fall Electives End
Fri, 12 Dec	AMP 27 Graduates
Mon, 18 Dec-Sun, 4 Jan 2004	ICAF/NWC Winter Recess
Mon, 12 Jan	AMP 28 Start Date
Mon, 19 Jan	Spring Electives Begin
Wed, 7 Apr	Spring Electives End
M-F, 5-9 Apr	AMP 28 Travel
M-F, 12-16 Apr	ICAF Domestic Travel
Fri, 16 Apr	AMP 28 Graduates
M-F (2 wks), 3-14 May	ICAF International Travel
9 Jun 2004	ICAF/NWC Graduation
The SSS schedules include 18 weeks in the fall semester, and 23 weeks spring semester.

* Please note: Primary dates for Elective classes will be Tuesday & Wednesday. Electives cover a 12-week period each semester.

 

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President George W. Bush addresses NDU faculty, staff, students, and guests on May 1, 2001

General Richard A. Chilcoat and Vice Admiral Paul G. Gaffney in the 10th change of command at the National Defense University  

 Vice Admiral Paul G. Gaffney takes command as 10th President of the National Defense University

Vice Admiral Gaffney with General Lajos Fodor, Hungarian Chief of Defense, and first general
named to the NDU/International Fellows Hall of Fame

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