America First. Peace Through Strength. Common Sense. These bolded words on the first page of Secretary Hegseth’s memorandum set the tone. The Department of War released its 2026 National Defense Strategy (or NDS) on Friday, outlining a focused approach to safeguarding U.S. interests amid evolving global threats.
Building on the National Security Strategy (or NSS), which President Trump has described as an updated Monroe Doctrine, the NDS emphasizes practical realism to achieve peace through strength. It prioritizes defending the homeland first and foremost, followed by deterring China, enhancing allied contributions, and revitalizing the defense industrial base, all while ensuring the Joint Force remains ready for decisive action.
This strategy nests within the NSS framework that was released last month, which calls for clear-eyed assessments of threats and resources. As detailed in our earlier coverage of the National Security Strategy, the NSS shifts away from expansive interventions toward concrete U.S. priorities, and though it errs on the side of non-intervention, it does make it clear that the U.S. will defend its interests as needed.
The NDS translates that guidance into military terms, directing components to implement changes rapidly and comprehensively. The strategy is broken down first by the security environment, followed by a strategic approach broken out into lines of effort.
Assessing the Security Environment
The document first surveys key threats, starting with homeland and hemispheric challenges like border security, narco-terrorism, and access to key terrain such as the Panama Canal and Greenland. It also addresses major actors: China's rapid military buildup, Russia's persistent capabilities, Iran's weakened but resilient position post-Midnight Hammer, and North Korea's nuclear advancements.
A notable concern is the "simultaneity problem," where multiple threats could emerge concurrently. The NDS stresses that allies must step up to handle regional issues, allowing the U.S. to focus on core priorities without overextension. Consequently, the burden-sharing nature of U.S. defense policy is labeled as an “essential ingredient” of the strategy.
"We recognize that it is neither America’s duty nor in our nation’s interest to act everywhere on our own, nor will we make up for allied security shortfalls from their leaders’ own irresponsible choices," the strategy states.
Strategic Approach - Line of Effort 1: Defend the U.S. Homeland
Topping the list, homeland defense includes securing borders, countering narco-terrorists, and protecting key terrain in the Western Hemisphere under the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. The strategy commits to Golden Dome missile defense, counter-drone measures, nuclear modernization, cyber protections, and sustainable counterterrorism.
Efforts extend to hemispheric stability, with options for unilateral action if partners falter, as seen in Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela. This focus aims to shield Americans from direct threats while fostering regional cooperation.
Line of Effort 2: Deter China in the Indo-Pacific Through Strength, Not Confrontation
To counter China's growth, the NDS calls for denial defenses along the First Island Chain, emphasizing engagement for stability while building capabilities to prevent dominance. It aligns with Force Design 2030, where the Marine Corps plays a key part in distributed operations and littoral maneuvers to support regional balance.
"Our goal is simple: To prevent anyone, including China, from being able to dominate us or our allies—in essence, to set the military conditions required to achieve the NSS goal of a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific that allows all of us to enjoy a decent peace," the document explains.
This approach seeks fair relations backed by strength for negotiations.
Line of Effort 3: Increase Burden-Sharing with U.S. Allies and Partners
The strategy pushes allies to meet higher spending targets, like the 5% of GDP standard from the Hague Summit, to handle threats in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere. In Europe, NATO takes the lead on Russia; in the Middle East, partners like Israel and Gulf states counter Iran with U.S. support calibrated to needs.
Africa and the Korean Peninsula follow similar models, focusing U.S. efforts on vital interests while empowering locals. This fosters equitable partnerships for sustained deterrence.
Line of Effort 4: Supercharge the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
Revitalizing the DIB involves expanding production, adopting innovations like AI, and clearing obstacles to meet demands. It supports allies through exports, ensuring scalability for munitions and systems.
"We must return to being the world’s premier arsenal, one that can produce not only for ourselves but also for our allies and partners at scale, rapidly, and at the highest levels of quality," the NDS asserts.
This ties into the current American industrial revival while enhancing readiness across priorities.
In conclusion, the 2026 NDS charts a path to enduring security by concentrating on essentials, leveraging alliances, and bolstering capabilities. It positions the military to deter aggression while enabling diplomacy, reflecting a shift toward focused, effective defense.
You can find the 2026 National Defense Strategy in its entirety on the Department of War’s website.
