Dear Friends of the National Defense University Foundation,
Our world continues to change rapidly, and perhaps it is a near certainty that it will continue to do so quickly, and in some cases unexpectedly. Geopolitical change, technological change, economic change, and more require leaders who understand how to learn, how to collaborate, how to get things done here and around the world, and how to secure our nation’s and our world’s peace and security. The mission of the National Defense University Foundation (NDU Foundation) is to enhance and support the mission and vision of the National Defense University, shared here:
MISSION: NDU educates joint warfighters and other national security leaders in critical thinking and the creative application of military power to inform national strategy and globally integrated operations, under conditions of disruptive change, in order to prevail in war, peace, and competition.
VISION: NDU will create strategic advantage by developing joint warfighters and other national security leaders and forging relationships through whole-of-nations and whole-of-government educational programs, research, and engagement.
The NDU Foundation supports the mission and vision by securing funding, relationships, and resources to support the leadership, faculty, and staff who build the academic and professional development programs for NDU students and families, and to support the students and families here to learn and build strong connections with each other across the whole-of-nation, whole-of-government, and, increasingly, with our worldwide allies, partners, and friends.
This newsletter reflects on the work we’ve done recently to support NDU. It also highlights what several of NDU’s leaders focus on for
the university. After you read and reflect on what we’ve done, I invite you to think about how you can support, engage, and build with the Foundation and NDU to further enhance all that NDU and the Foundation do. And if you’re willing to take some time with our
team, we can build engagement that advances NDU while focusing on your strategic priorities. We know these include, among others, quantum computing, AI and machine learning, advanced manufacturing, data analysis, aerospace, shipbuilding, autonomous systems, and electrification. We don’t yet know all that our national security leaders, and those of our allies, partners, and friends, need to know and understand while building relationships with each other, the Defense Industrial Base, and the National Security Innovation Base. Your support, financial, in-kind, and intellectual – makes a difference.
I’m pleased to share our Fall/Winter 2023 Newsletter which highlights recent convenings and initiatives of the National Defense University (NDU) Foundation and National Defense University. We also introduce the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Commandants of the National War College and the Eisenhower School.
As we look forward to 2024, thank you for your continued engagement and partnership. I look forward to seeing many of you, our partners and sponsors, in December at the Foundation’s Patriot Dinner. A change in approach this year, we are focused on the revitalization of NATO, the defense of Ukraine, and the many actors across the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and featuring remarks from the Ambassador of Ukraine to the US, Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, CIA Director William Burns, and Lockheed Martin Chairman and CEO James Taiclet.
Warm regards,
James Schmeling
President & CEO