Frequently Asked Questions
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Founded in 2021, we are a nonpartisan network of former military and civilian leaders from across the political spectrum, uniquely qualified to provide expert insight on U.S. national security and its impact on our democracy and economic stability.
We are a 501(c)(4) organization, currently with more than 1,400 senior national security professionals, including retired admirals, generals, senior enlisted leaders, intelligence officers, diplomats, and civilian service officials—united in defense of American democracy.
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NSL4A's core membership includes individuals who have served in positions as National Security Leaders, which we define as being at one of the following levels:
Individuals who held Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed positions (PAS)
Retired career civilians and Presidential appointees from the civil, foreign, or intelligence executive services (SES, SFS, or SIS)
Individuals who held GS-14/GS-15 positions or equivalent (including Presidential Appointees)
Individuals who held FS-01/FS-02 positions or equivalent (including Presidential Appointees)
Retired Commissioned Uniformed Services Officers of rank W-4, W-5, and O-5 through O-10
Retired Enlisted Personnel of rank E-8 or E-9
Military Spouses of veterans who achieved the rank of O-7 through O-10 or E-8/E-9
Select Elected Officials (e.g., U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor)
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Mission Statement: National Security Leaders for America leverages the credibility and experience of its members to:
Protect our democratic norms, constitutional freedoms, and the United States’ role as a global leader promoting peace, prosperity, and security.
Ensure policymakers and the public understand the centrality of national security to economic prosperity and individual liberties.
Lead and inspire like-minded organizations and individuals to defend American democracy.
Vision Statement: The United States remains the leading force for global stability which, together with the enduring strength of our democracy and constitutionally guaranteed freedoms, builds economic security for all Americans.
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We believe that:
America’s national security and economic well-being are directly linked to our role as the global leader promoting stability, prosperity, and the rule of law.
Our strength derives from our longstanding commitment to fundamental freedoms, free and fair elections, and the protection of human rights embodied in our Constitution.
Preserving three co-equal branches of government with associated checks and balances is essential to protecting individual liberties and preventing abuses of power.
The oath that civilian government and military personnel take to support and defend the Constitution is sacrosanct and never ends.
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Promote the Interests of National Security and Democratic Governance
NSL4A is dedicated to strengthening democracy and U.S. security by educating the public, advising policy-makers, and engaging the news media.
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While some claim retired military officers should remain silent on political issues, NSL4A understands that America is stronger when they engage in the political dialogue just like every other citizen. Historical precedence shows that former senior military officers have endorsed and supported political campaigns.
For veterans, their civic duty does not end when they hang up their uniforms; rather, it extends to actively participating in shaping the future of the nation.
Throughout their careers, they took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that commitment remains just as strong in retirement.
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Individuals who have served in senior national security positions.
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