VISION:  The pre-eminent institution for education, research, and outreach in national and international security.

MISSION:  Prepare military and civilian leaders from the United States and other countries to evaluate national and international security challenges through multi-disciplinary educational and research programs, professional exchanges, and outreach.

VALUES:  In all its activities, the National Defense University strives to promote and reward:

• Academic Freedom.  An educational and research climate that fosters and protects free expression, rigorous analysis, and open intellectual exchange.
• Integrity.  An organizational culture based on openness, honesty, trust, and ethical conduct.
• Excellence.  A determined commitment to scholarship, knowledge development, institutional agility, innovation, and creativity.
• Community.  The embrace of diverse peoples, ideas, and cultures in a spirit of lifelong professional cooperation and collaboration. 
• Growth and Development.  An environment that fosters individual intellectual and physical well being.

STRATEGIC GOALS:  The University shall:

• Achieve the highest standard of joint Professional Military Education.
• Develop strategic knowledge and critical thinking, promote cross-cultural understanding, and create operational awareness to prepare graduates to exercise strong leadership.
• Promote unity of effort across and beyond the U.S. Government through national security education programs, research, activities, and organizations that anticipate and address complex security challenges.
• Invest in faculty, staff, technology, and facilities to promote excellence in educational programs, research, exchanges, and outreach.
• Cultivate national and international relationships that contribute to the University’s vision and mission.
• Build life-long learning communities that sustain and renew the capabilities of graduates over the course of their professional careers.