Who signs the National Defense Strategy (NDS)?

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) is primarily signed by the Secretary of Defense, who is responsible for formulating and articulating the defense policy of the United States. The Secretary plays a crucial role in gathering input from various military, strategic, and defense policy experts to craft a comprehensive strategy that aligns with national interests and security objectives.

While the President is ultimately the Commander-in-Chief and oversees national defense, the NDS is a document that operationalizes the president's vision through the lens of the Department of Defense; thus, it is the Secretary of Defense who formally signs it. The NDS reflects the Defense Department’s assessments and strategies and outlines priorities, resources, and missions that the United States military should pursue.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provides essential military advice and plays a key role in developing military strategy, but the signing of the NDS is not within their purview. Similarly, the Vice President, while involved in national security decisions at a high level, does not sign the NDS.