1 National Security Decision Making Capstone Challenge 2021. Notional exercise material for educational purposes only. 2021 (nspm-1) 2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES The highest priority of the President of the United States is to keep the American people safe. The president is true to our ideals and values while protecting the homeland against 21stcentury threats. By preventing terrorist attacks on American soil and abroad, contain- ing rogue states seeking to destabilize the international system, leading multilateral efforts to combat the threat of WMDs by state and nonstate actors, and meeting the realities of energy and environmental security, our best interests are preserved. In 2021, we face new strategic rivalries for resource control, energy security, and economic prosperity; and old military rivalries and confl icts in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The United States strives to engage, prevent, and resolve confl icts worldwide through multilateral channels, in- ternational organizations and preventive diplomacy. All of our efforts are underwritten by America’s desire and ability to lead where US power is required. We will cooperate with allies and support respective diplomatic, economic, political, and military capabilities in order to counter today’s challenges, but will reserve the right to act unilaterally if it is in the interest of the United States. Our country possesses the attributes that have supported our leadership throughout the past several centuries. These attributes include our strong alliances, an unmatched military and the resolve to use it to defend America and its allies, the world’s largest economy, a strong democracy, and a society whose values are being emulated all over the world. In 2021, America stands strengthened and determined to meet the many challenges of this young century. We are striving for an international order advanced by US leadership that promotes peace, security, sustainability, and opportunity through stronger cooperation to meet global challenges. NONPROLIFERATION AND NUCLEAR SECURITY There is no greater threat to the American people than weapons of mass destruction, particularly the danger posed by the pursuit of nuclear weapons by violent extremists and their proliferation to additional states. The United States will use all means necessary to protect itself and deny the proliferation of WMDs to these groups and state actors. The United States also remains committed to its external security guarantees to our allies. To that end, we will not tolerate the transfer of nuclear weapons material or technologies that may jeopardize the security of the United States, our allies, and partners. During the last decade, the US government has committed itself to nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. To that end, we have reduced our nuclear stockpile and reliance on nuclear deterrence while ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our deterrent. We remain committed to multilater ...

1. 1
National Security Decision Making Capstone Challenge 2021.
Notional exercise material for educational purposes only.
2021 (nspm-1)
2
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The highest priority of the President of the United States is to
keep the American people safe. The president is true to our
ideals and
values while protecting the homeland against 21stcentury
threats. By preventing terrorist attacks on American soil and
abroad, contain-
ing rogue states seeking to destabilize the international system,
leading multilateral efforts to combat the threat of WMDs by
state and
nonstate actors, and meeting the realities of energy and
environmental security, our best interests are preserved. In
2021, we face new
strategic rivalries for resource control, energy security, and
economic prosperity; and old military rivalries and confl icts in
Africa, the
Middle East, and Asia. The United States strives to engage,
prevent, and resolve confl icts worldwide through multilateral
channels, in-
ternational organizations and preventive diplomacy.

2. All of our efforts are underwritten by America’s desire and
ability to lead where US power is required. We will cooperate
with allies and
support respective diplomatic, economic, political, and military
capabilities in order to counter today’s challenges, but will
reserve the
right to act unilaterally if it is in the interest of the United
States.
Our country possesses the attributes that have supported our
leadership throughout the past several centuries. These
attributes include our
strong alliances, an unmatched military and the resolve to use it
to defend America and its allies, the world’s largest economy, a
strong
democracy, and a society whose values are being emulated all
over the world.
In 2021, America stands strengthened and determined to meet
the many challenges of this young century.
We are striving for an international order advanced by US
leadership that promotes peace, security, sustainability, and
opportunity
through stronger cooperation to meet global challenges.
NONPROLIFERATION AND NUCLEAR SECURITY
There is no greater threat to the American people than weapons
of mass destruction, particularly the danger posed by the pursuit
of
nuclear weapons by violent extremists and their proliferation to
additional states. The United States will use all means necessary
to
protect itself and deny the proliferation of WMDs to these
groups and state actors. The United States also remains
committed to its
external security guarantees to our allies. To that end, we will

3. not tolerate the transfer of nuclear weapons material or
technologies that
may jeopardize the security of the United States, our allies, and
partners. During the last decade, the US government has
committed itself
to nonproliferation of nuclear weapons. To that end, we have
reduced our nuclear stockpile and reliance on nuclear deterrence
while
ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our deterrent. We
remain committed to multilateral efforts—and particularly the
framework
established by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT)—to
reduce the threat of nuclear proliferation.
NUCLEAR POLICY
The United States remains committed not to use nuclear
weapons against non-nuclear states that are in compliance with
the NPT, even
if they attacked America with biological or chemical weapons
or launched a cyber attack. For the last decade, the fundamental
role of
nuclear weapons has been to deter nuclear attacks on the United
States, allies, or partners. While we strive for a nuclear weapon
free
world, we are preserving all the instruments of power, including
nuclear weapons, which are necessary to ensure that the
American
people are safe and secure. To that end, we continue to follow a
policy of graduated options, a combination of old and new
conventional
weapons, including cyber warfare.
COUNTERTERRORISM
We have made tremendous progress in disrupting, dismantling,
and defeating al-Qaeda and its affi liates throughout the world.
We rec-

4. ognize that the theater for combatting Islamic terrorism has
shifted to Asia and we reiterate our commitment to allies and
countries who
seek US support in defeating terrorist groups. We continue to
implement a strategy of denying them safe haven, strengthening
our front-
line partners, securing our homeland, pursuing justice in line
with universal human rights standards, and countering a
bankrupt agenda
of extremism and murder with an agenda of world unity,
prosperity, and peace.
We strongly support existing efforts by regional governments to
discredit extremist ideologies and continue to demonstrate the
compat-
ibility of Islam with the rule of law, human rights and
democracy. We recognize that in the Muslim World, Islam
provides the ethical
framework for modern democratic institutions. Respective
funds in the U.S. Department of State will continue to fi nance
both grass
roots and large-scale endeavors by governments as well as
NGOs at strengthening human rights and democratic institutions
across the
Muslim World.
National Security Decision Making Capstone Challenge 2021.
Notional exercise material for educational purposes only.
national security policy memorandum
2021 (nspm-1)
3

5. FOREIGN POLICY
As our security continues to be underwritten by our military
power, we will strive to put more emphasis on conducting a
foreign policy
that refl ects the realities of the 21st century. As such, we are
investing more in the tools of civilian engagement of diplomacy
and have
given the State Department the greatest budget increase in the
history of the United States. We have recognized the changes
that have
taken place in the last decade and begun to move from a
strategy of hard-power based diplomacy—putting a premium on
coercion and
control—to a smart -power based diplomacy that will allow us
to lead and infl uence through means of targeted strategic
communica-
tions, foreign assistance, civic action, and linked economic
reconstruction and development.
We will pursue a resolute diplomacy, while exercising restraint.
We continue to rely on our power, but we will do so with
patience. We
continue to deter and contain our enemies, but it will be coupled
with a commitment to détente and engagement.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENERGY SECURITY
The protection of the global commons remains a core objective
of national security. The United States strives to be the world
leader
in preserving the environment for future generations.
Appreciating the impact of our actions on the environment, the
U.S. government
seeks sustainability in all our courses of actions: the use of
economic, military, diplomatic or informational instruments of
power must
not come at the expense of future generations.

6. Strategic resources—including fossil fuels, other natural
resources, and rare metals needed for civilian industrial use and
military ap-
plications—represent a major national security priority for the
United States. It is our policy to further reduce dependency on
fossil fuels
and to seek alternative energy sources. While we appreciate that
scarcity of energy resources and other rare elements may
provide sup-
plier countries with strategic depth, the United States will not
tolerate “resource blackmailing” or any kind of politically led
disruption
by supplied countries to strategic resources. It is our
commitment to solve disputes concerning resource security
through multilateral
efforts and/or respective environmental regimes. We continue to
strive to protect the global common market and monitor,
prevent, and
counter environmental contributions to confl ict and instability
in the global arena.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
Our economic well-being continues to be a major linchpin of
our country’s national security. We strive to remain the world’s
most pros-
perous economy underwritten by tremendous human capital, our
economic institutions, natural resources, and an unmatched fi
nancial
and industrial base. We embrace the forces of the free market
and see international competition as a way to make ourselves
stronger.
While we reject protectionism, it is the priority of the US
government to fi rst invest in American education, research and
sciences, energy
sources, and the infrastructure to make all of our economic

7. sectors competitive. We will apply our economic instruments of
power to
advance our interests, but we will also use them to help other
countries achieve economic development.
HOMELAND SECURITY
We have experienced yet again that our borders are not
invincible and remain, therefore, on the highest alert to protect
the American
homeland. Agencies comprising civil defense, emergency
response, law enforcement, customs, border patrol, and
immigration are in
the process of countering these threats. These agencies identify
and interdict threats and deny hostile actors the ability to
operate within
our borders or in any other given safe haven in the world. We
are maintaining effective control of our physical borders and
have the
capabilities to disrupt and dismantle transnational terrorists and
criminal organizations. Our homeland security relies on our
continuous
commitment to fi rst rely on unilateral courses of action.
DEFENSE
In 2021, the use of force seems a relic of the wars of the 20th
century. The United States seeks peace, stability, and
sustainability and
will only use military force to defend our allies, our people, and
our homeland. We have also honed our commitment to
humanitarian
protection on numerous occasions and will protect civilians
facing a humanitarian crisis through the use of force. While the
US govern-
ments seeks primarily to draw on diplomacy, development, and
international organizations to prevent and resolve confl icts
worldwide,

8. our military defense capabilities remain underwritten by our
forces across all domains—land, air, sea, space, and cyber. We
have a
mandate to prevent and counter rogue states challenging the
international status quo and to deny any power hegemonic
aspirations over
any given hemisphere. We are committed to the security of our
allies and partners and will assist them to build capacity to fulfi
ll their
responsibilities to contribute to regional and global security.
When force is the only option after all other instruments of
power have been
exhausted, we will use it in a way that refl ects American values
and international legitimacy by working with international and
regional
organizations. Ultimately, the United States seeks peace and
security. We recognize that peace can only be achieved and
maintained if
international treaties are upheld, international law and human
rights law respected and foreign policies governed by the
universal sanc-
tity of human morality.
National Security Decision Making Capstone Challenge 2021.
Notional exercise material for educational purposes only.
national security policy memorandum
2021 (nspm-1)
Last name_First_Course(ex AP5510)_Assignment_Title
Assignment Title
By
Name
Course Name

9. DD MMM YYYY
Instructor: (Instructor’s Name)
Air Command and Staff College
Distance Learning
Maxwell AFB, AL
Effective, purposeful communication is essential in the military
profession. Following these instructions will help you properly
complete your Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) writing
assignment and will improve your chances for success.
This template exemplifies the format for ACSC essays. Each
essay must include a properly formatted cover page (see above),
double-spaced text, Times New Roman 12pt font, 1-inch
margins, as well as full endnote-style citations for paraphrasing
and quotations in accordance with the Air University Style and
Author Guide, Section 5.5. Endnotes are not counted as part of
your total word count. The Air University Style and Author
Guide, Appendix A provides examples of endnote formats. Do
not include a bibliography in these short essay assignments;
however, ensure your full endnotes contain all source
information.
Your essay submissions must be your original work—your
individual effort. See the Student Handbook for the ACSC
plagiarism and academic integrity policies. When you
paraphrase, you must credit sources by identifying them with
endnotes. Use quotation marks when you quote directly from
the work of other writers. This is a relatively short assignment,
so use block quotations sparingly to allow your own original
thoughts to shine through.
You may notice minor variations between your consolidated
lesson readers, which require different endnote formats. Some
bundle the readings into a single document with continuous

10. pagination (see example endnote 1 at the end of this document).
Other lesson readers retain each author’s original pagination
(see example note 2).
You should use the author’s original pagination wherever it is
possible to do so. Remember, cite any material used from the
instructional narrative portion of the consolidated lesson
reading file with “Air Command and Staff College” as the
author (see example endnote 3).
The midterm and final essay exams are academic papers; write
each in a narrative style, not a bullet/point paper. Refer to the
assignment rubric located in your Grade Center for grading
criteria. If you have any questions, contact your course
instructor.
Much like your next level of leadership, the ACSC program
requires effective writing founded on critical thinking and
communication skills. Each essay you write as you progress
toward graduation provides an opportunity for you to hone these
abilities. Additionally, these assignments comprise a large
portion of your final grade in each course. Therefore, successful
course completion is contingent on your writing performance.
The most effective essays are analytical, well-organized, and
incorporate innovative ideas supported by course materials.
Adhere to this guidance to maximize your potential for success.
Notes
� Lawrence Freedman, “Makers of Modern Strategy from
Machiavelli to the Nuclear Age,” in Warfare Studies Lesson 4,
(Maxwell AFB, AL: ACSC 2014), 33.
� Lt Gen Larry D. James, “Airmen: Delivering Decision
Advantage,” Air & Space
Power Journal 26, no. 6 (November/December 2012): 4-11.

11. � Air Command and Staff College, Airpower Studies Lesson
Three, (Maxwell AFB, AL: ACSC 2013), 26.
2
2021 Iran Nuclear Test: Ends, ways and means
You are a member of the National Security Council staff asked
to recommend an appropriate United States response to the
notional 2021 Iranian nuclear test crisis. Develop a strategy
proposal using the “Ends, Ways and Means” model. Ensure that
your actions are consistent with US policy and the state of
international affairs in the notional 2021 scenario. Keep in mind
that you are writing recommendations, not directions. Write
from the perspective of a staff official presenting a report to the
President.
There are three objectives:
Guidance on ends, ways and means:
First, develop strategic objectives (ends) based on the national
interests, and the environment described in the Air Force
Strategic Environment Assessment 2014-2034.
As H. Richard Yarger explains, “objectives (ends) explain
‘what’ needs to be accomplished…strategic objectives directly
serve the strategic purpose—the desired end state” (Yarger, pg.
52, 54). Recall that, “objectives (ends) explain ‘what’ needs to
be accomplished…strategic objectives directly serve the

12. strategic purpose—the desired end state” (Yarger, pg. 52, 54).
Second, develop “strategic concepts (ways) [that] explain ‘how’
the objectives are to be accomplished by the employment of the
instruments of power…Strategic concepts link resources to the
objectives by addressing who does what, where, when, and why
to explain how an objective will be achieved” (Yarger, pg. 55).
(See “Note on how the United States should apply the
instruments of national power” below.)
Third, keeping in mind that this is at the strategic level, so
“determine the types and levels of resources [means] that are
necessary to support the concepts of the strategy” (Yarger, pg.
60).
NOTE on how the United States should apply the instruments of
national power:
Keep in mind that we are essentially looking for your
recommendations on how the instruments of national power
should be used. Do not spend too much time describing the
issue; focus your efforts on recommendations. The best
recommendations are ones that are clear, concrete, and as
specific as possible.
The paper must also have these elements accomplished:
· Have I demonstrated adequate justification for each
recommendation?
· Have I integrated my recommendations?
· Have I integrated the instruments of national power in my
recommendations?
Word count: minimum 1,500, maximum 2,000 (approximately
5-7 pages).
The essay must include a properly formatted cover page (see
above), double-spaced text, Times New Roman 12pt font, 1-inch

13. margins, as well as full endnote-style citations for paraphrasing
and quotations. Endnotes are not counted as part of your total
word count.