Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said national security leaders should evaluate risks and capabilities of the joint force in order to counter threats from state and non-state actors, DoD News reported Tuesday.
Jim Garamone writes Dunford on Tuesday told class 2017 members at the National Defense University in Washington that leaders should also build up and maintain equipment, staff and strategies amid threats posed by Russia, North Korea, China, Iran and violent extremism associated with the Islamic State militant organization.
He also cited the implications of the risk assessments for the joint force, such as the need for the U.S. to integrate all government aspects, allies and partners into strategic plans as well as develop and maintain nuclear and special operations capabilities.
Dunford also discussed how NDU works to develop future national security and military leaders through a one-year joint professional military education program, according to a second report by Garamone.
He said the university seeks to provide the students an opportunity to read, think, write and consider about their profession as well as learn from international students and counterparts from other U.S. civilian agencies.
Dunford also shared his experience at the Army War College in Pennsylvania and urged NDU students to leverage the universityâs faculty and staff as they take the year-long course.