There is a growing consensus among many practitioners and scholars, across the political spectrum, broadly in favor of reforming the U.S. government interagency system to encourage a more effective application of all elements of national power. In 2007, the Bush Admin. launched the National Security Professional Development (NSPD) program, which included an oversight structure and participation by multiple agencies, including many not traditionally focused on national security. In 2011, the Obama Admin. reinvigorated the NSPD program, giving it a streamlined new emphasis on accomplishing missions, and adopting Emergency Mgt. as the initial focus area.

This report analyzes key issues that Members of Congress may wish to consider in evaluating existing or proposed NSP initiatives, including the fundamental purpose; the concept of integration; the scope of participation; practical modalities for making the program work; the role of centralized oversight; incentive structures for individuals and agencies; recruiting; and congressional oversight. For context, the report also describes early NSP proposals; U.S. government strategic guidance; the experiences of the NSPD program to date; and significant congressional initiatives. It makes illustrative use of the military's Joint Qualification System, perhaps the closest U.S. government analogue. This is a print on demand report.