The National Security Strategy (NSS) is a report mandated by Section 603 of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-433).
The NSS has been transmitted annually since 1987, but frequently reports come in late or not at all.
The NSS is to be sent from the President to Congress in order to communicate the executive branch’s national security vision to the legislative branch.
The NSS provides discussion on proposed uses of all facets of U.S. power needed to achieve the nation’s security goals.
The report is obligated to include a discussion of the United States’ international interests, commitments, objectives, and policies, along with defense capabilities necessary to deter threats and implement U.S. security plans.
Office of Secretary of Defense Archives