FAQs

  • National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) is a 501(c)(4) bipartisan organization made up of individuals who served in a variety of senior leadership positions that include all six military branches, elected federal and state offices, and various government departments and agencies. Our members bring a diverse and unique perspective on what a healthy Democracy needs to thrive. Our experts can also recognize the most remote warning signs that signal when a Democracy is in danger.

    We dedicate ourselves to supporting individuals of the highest integrity willing to serve in positions of government trust and to promoting public education about our democracy and the institutions upon which it depends.

  • Mission Statement: National Security Leaders for America advocates for positions, values, and elected officials who strengthen the United States as a democratic nation.

    Vision Statement: National Security Leaders for America sees a world where American Democracy is the model by which other nations set their baseline, a moral guide star for democratic values reflected across all sectors of society at home and abroad.

  • 1 - Truth and an educated, engaged public are essential for a functioning democracy.

    2 - Positions of government trust must be held by individuals of character and integrity, and they need our support in their work.

    3 - Protecting our strategic and vital national interests requires strong global leadership based on democratic ideals, robust diplomacy, economic engagement, and an unmatched military capability.

  • NSL4A evolved from National Security Leaders for Biden (NSL4B), which stood up during the 2020 elections to enable its members to advocate for presidential nominee Joe Biden. This effort initially focused on its members’ providing their individual voices through op-eds in the summer of 2020. In September 2020, NSL4B leveraged the collective voice of 489 signatories in a letter of public support for Joe Biden, which organically grew to 780 public members prior to election day.

    Learn more about our efforts during the 2020 Presidential Election

    During the 2022 Midterm elections, NSL4A endorsed 31 candidates in both federal and state-level elections. These candidates ran against opponents who espoused anti-democracy positions such as voter suppression and election denialism. Our efforts supported the reelection of two state Governors, three U.S. Representatives, and four U.S. Senators, along with the election of two new state Governors, one new U.S. Representative, and one new U.S. Senator.

    Learn more about our efforts during the 2022 Midterm Elections

    During the 2023 Virginia State General Assembly elections, NSL4A endorsed 8 candidates for the House of Delegates and 4 candidates for the Virginia State Senate. These candidates ran against opponents who espoused anti-democracy positions such as voter suppression and election denialism. Our efforts supported the election of four new Delegates and two new State Senators.

    Learn more about our efforts during the 2023 Virginia Elections

  • For the 2024 elections, candidates seeking endorsements from NSL4A must promote democratic values and principles and have opponents who specifically do not.

    Examples of candidate behavior that promote democratic values

    • Accept the outcome of elections even if they do not like the results

    • Acknowledge that the January 6 insurrection was a direct threat to our democracy

    • Condemn the use of political violence against people and institutions with opposing goals or viewpoints

    Examples of candidate behavior that undermine democratic values

    • Refuse to accept the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election

    • Voted against protecting voter access and/or promote voter suppression tactics

    • Claimed insurrectionists were “just patriots standing up” or exercising First Amendment rights.

  • Retired senior leaders from across the political spectrum who have served in various national security positions, including:

    • Generals, Admirals, Senior Enlisted personnel

    • Cabinet and Service Secretaries

    • Ambassadors and Senior Foreign Service Officers

    • Senior Executive and Intelligence Service professionals

    Learn More

  • Become an associate member.

    Associate Members include other dedicated former officials, such as veterans and civilians who served in national security roles.

    Learn More

  • Become a volunteer

    Donate

    Follow Us on Social Media

  • NSL4A can:

    • Provide members to speak at campaign events.

    • Support grass-roots get-out-the-vote efforts either virtually or in person.

    • Support local canvassing events or motivate phone bank volunteers.

    • Educate voters through Op-eds, Letters to the Editor, and compelling emails.

    • Offer candidates policy expertise.