National Defense Strategy

This memorandum, issued by the Secretary of Defense, formally initiates the development of the 2025 National Defense Strategy (NDS). It emphasizes alignment with President Trump’s vision of “America First” and “Peace Through Strength,” directing the strategy to build on the 2025 Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance. The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy will lead a cross-component team to deliver a draft NDS by August 31, 2025. The effort is framed as an urgent response to global threats and a commitment to reshaping defense policy for strategic advantage.