Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • Our unique membership includes hundreds of senior national security leaders who have served in past Presidents’ administrations from both political parties. These individuals no longer are in government service but bring their decades of expertise and leadership to address the most pressing issues facing American democracy today.

    • Retired Admirals, Generals, and Senior Enlisted

    • Retired and Former Senior Executive and Intelligence Service Professionals

    • Retired and Former Ambassadors

    • Former Cabinet and Service Secretaries

    In addition to the hundreds of former and retired senior leaders, NSL4A’s membership includes hundreds of retired field grade senior officers, military veterans, retired and former mid-level senior executive service, foreign service, and intelligence professionals as well as many volunteers who provide their unique experience and knowledge to advancing NSL4A’s mission and vision.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) achieves its mission by promoting the interests of national security professionals, military veterans, and former federal civil service employees. It enhances public awareness of relevant public policy issues and provides subject matter expertise to policymakers and the media. NSL4A’s activities include hosting conferences, educational programs, panel discussions, and publishing reports and analyses. Additionally, it offers networking opportunities for retired and former military and civil service members, and mentorship to young professionals through internships.

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

    • Generals, Admirals, Senior Enlisted personnel (E8 & E9)

    • Cabinet and Service Secretaries

    • Ambassadors and Senior Foreign Service Officers

    • Senior Executive and Intelligence Service professionals

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  • Become an associate member.

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

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