About ACNSL

ACNSL Strategic Direction

Story

Seven years ago, a group of former military leaders, diplomatic professionals, and senior public policy executives observed an increasingly polarized environment that fostered confusion, misperceptions, and disunity. Simultaneously, they identified the absence of a nonpartisan, whole-of-government voice of candor, experience, and reason on issues affecting our nation’s safety and security. They recognized they had the unique composition, expertise, and skill to fill that need. They formed a unique organization comprised exclusively of retired generals, admirals, senior government executives, and diplomats. Believing in the lifelong obligation of their oaths to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, ACNSL dedicated itself to improving understanding, promoting fact-based decision-making, and fostering a stronger national security.

Mission

To advance and the nation’s national security by INFORMING the debate, ENGAGING decision makers, and INSPIRING the next generation of national security leaders.  

Vision

To promote serious and sustained attention to national security, the American College of National Security Leaders strives to become the preeminent, non-partisan professional society promoting whole-of-government national security solutions with membership ranging across the full spectrum, career national security leaders. 

Values

  • Pursuit of the common good over personal interests in accordance with our Guiding Principles. 

  • Strive to strengthen American ideals set forth with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States to enhance national security.

  • Promote civic duty.

Goals

  • Engage within the national dialogue to inform the national security community and national leadership leveraging our broad and deep whole of government collective experience.  

  • Leverage, through nonpartisan means, our considerable leadership experience to engage national leadership immersed in the complexities of twenty-first century national security challenges. 

  • Develop professional relationships with higher education institutions aimed at inspiring the next generation of national security leaders. 

  • Seek increased membership and donorship to enable an enduring mission.