In response to Strategic Guidance issued to the NATO Defense College (NDC) by the North Atlantic Council and the Military Committee (MC123/8), The Mission of the NATO Defense College is to:

• Contribute to the effectiveness and cohesion of the Alliance
• Foster strategic level thinking on pol-mil matters
• Develop a major center of education, study, and research by:
  • Preparing selected officers and officials for important NATO and NATO-related multinational appointments
  • Conducting academic studies and research in support of the Alliance's wider goals
  • Supporting an active outreach programme with other educational institutions