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Help Us Maintain A Healthy American Democracy

National Security Leaders for America is a non-partisan network of former military and civilian leaders from across the political spectrum who are uniquely qualified to provide expert insight on U.S. national security and its impact on our democracy and economic stability.

We advocate for positions, values, and individuals that strengthen the United States and its constitutional order.

Membership Types

Members

NSL4A's core membership is comprised of 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)

AssociateMembers

Individuals without the above-described military or federal civilian experience may be considered for membership if they have significant national security experience (10+ years) in the private sector or academia

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Have questions?

Contact a member of the Recruiting Team.

How is NSL4A Organized?

NSL4A’s committee structure is built around four major functions:

  • Public communications

  • Issue advocacy

  • Legal and policy strategy

  • Field-level organizing. 

  • Supports NSL4A’s public-facing communications, media engagement, and message amplification. This includes rapid response media outreach, interviews, op-eds, public commentary, and speaking opportunities that elevate NSL4A’s perspective on key national security and democracy issues.

  • Focuses on substantive issue advocacy across NSL4A’s core priority areas. The team works on topics such as politicization of the national security workforce, cuts to diplomacy and development capacity, treatment of women and minorities in national security, whistleblower protections, veterans’ rights, intelligence community integrity, voting integrity, and proper use of the military.

  • Provides legal analysis and strategic legal support on issues affecting democracy, national security, voting, civil-military relations, and constitutional governance. The team reviews legal authorities, executive actions, potential litigation opportunities, amicus briefs, and relationships with pro bono legal partners.

  • Monitors legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and translates NSL4A priorities into policy engagement. The team develops briefs, talking points, testimony, legislative concepts, congressional engagement materials, and strategic recommendations while supporting outreach to federal, state, and local policymakers.

  • Organize NSL4A’s state-level engagement and candidate-support activities. These teams identify state-specific issues, validate candidates aligned with NSL4A criteria, coordinate with campaigns and partner organizations, support local media and events, recruit members, and connect NSL4A members with opportunities to provide visible support.

  • Identifies, evaluates, and maintains relationships with outside organizations whose goals and values align with NSL4A’s mission. The team helps other NSL4A committees and working groups identify potential partners, conduct outreach, and maintain awareness of partner activities.

  • Leads efforts to grow NSL4A’s membership consistent with the organization’s criteria. The team supports member-to-member outreach, one-on-one recruiting, onboarding, public awareness, and identification of members who can support Partnership, Engagement, and State Team activities.

Learn more about our committees.

Contact the Recruiting Team

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Complete the form below, and someone from the Recruiting Team will contact you.