Which office originates the National Defense Strategy?

The National Defense Strategy (NDS) is primarily originated by the Secretary of Defense. This document outlines the U.S. Department of Defense's strategy to secure national interests and respond to global threats. The Secretary of Defense is responsible for the formulation and implementation of defense policies, and the NDS serves as a roadmap for military and defense strategies over a given period.

The NDS reflects the ongoing assessments of security environments and operational priorities, which are fundamental roles of the Secretary of Defense. It is a critical document that guides how military forces are organized, trained, and equipped while aligning with broader national security strategies and goals set forth by the President.

While the President provides overall direction and the vision for national security, the detailed strategic framework of the National Defense Strategy is the domain of the Secretary of Defense, making this choice the most accurate in this context.