In the context of military operations, what does the term “NDS” stand for?

The term "NDS" in the context of military operations stands for National Defense Strategy. This strategy outlines the direction for defense policy and planning, articulating the United States' defense objectives and how the armed forces will carry out their missions to achieve national security goals. It encompasses the assessment of the global security environment, identifies threats, and sets priorities for how the Department of Defense will allocate resources and organize forces.

The other terms listed, while they might seem plausible, do not accurately reflect the recognized acronym "NDS" as it is used in military discourse. National Defense Support, National Deployment Strategy, and National Defense Standards do not have the same established significance or established frameworks within military doctrine or policy. Each of these alternatives lacks the comprehensive scope and implications conveyed in the National Defense Strategy, making it the correct choice in this context.