5 Important Facts about the Center for Defense Information

5 Important Facts about the Center for Defense Information

If you’re interested in national defense and military policy, then you’ve probably heard of the Center for Defense Information (CDI). CDI is an independent, nonprofit research organization that provides objective analysis of military issues, weapons systems, and defense policy. Here are 5 important facts you should know about CDI:

1. CDI was founded by a decorated veteran

CDI was founded in 1972 by Rear Admiral Eugene Carroll Jr., a retired naval officer who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Admiral Carroll was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal for his military service, and he was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War. After retiring from the military, he founded CDI as a way to promote national security policies that he believed would reduce the risk of war.

2. CDI has a distinguished board of directors

CDI’s board of directors includes retired military officers, diplomats, and academics who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization. The board is led by General Anthony Zinni, a retired Marine Corps general who served as commander in chief of the U.S. Central Command. Other board members include retired Admiral William Owens, former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Phyllis Bennis, a Middle East expert; and Mark Jacobson, a former deputy NATO senior civilian representative in Afghanistan.

3. CDI focuses on strategic analysis

CDI’s research and analysis focuses on long-term strategic issues related to national security. This includes analysis of weapons systems and military technology, as well as broader policy issues related to the role of the military in society. CDI’s reports and analyses are widely respected in the defense community and have been cited in congressional hearings and by media outlets.

4. CDI is nonpartisan

Unlike many think tanks and research organizations, CDI is strictly nonpartisan. CDI does not advocate for any political party or candidate, and its analyses are based solely on the evidence and expertise of its researchers and analysts. This is a critical aspect of CDI’s work, as it ensures that its analyses are independent and unbiased.

5. CDI advocates for sustainable defense policies

One of CDI’s key objectives is to promote sustainable defense policies that prioritize diplomacy, cooperation, and conflict resolution over military force. CDI advocates for the reduction of unnecessary and wasteful defense spending, and for the development of a more effective and efficient military that is better suited to meet the challenges of the 21st century. CDI also promotes the use of diplomatic and economic tools to achieve national security objectives, rather than relying solely on military force.

In conclusion, the Center for Defense Information is a highly respected research organization that provides objective analysis of military issues and defense policy. Founded by a decorated veteran and led by a distinguished board of directors, CDI is strictly nonpartisan and advocates for sustainable defense policies that prioritize diplomacy and conflict resolution. If you’re interested in national security issues, CDI is definitely an organization to keep an eye on.