History and Objectives

The Minuteman Institute for National Defense Studies (MINDS) was established in 1996 to amplify the National Guard voice in national security affairs. MINDS sponsors basic research and analysis, publication of scholarly work, the Minuteman Keynote Speaker Series, and online university course work to help reach this fundamental objective.  

MINDS attracts the best thinkers in Washington DC to debate the hottest issues of the day in the National Guard Memorial Building ’s Hall of States. Scholarly papers and monographs are published on our website and our online course offerings, produced in conjunction with the Department of Defense, are being expanded to reach scholars around the world. Through these programs, MINDS is directly influencing leaders and policy makers in State and federal government, and international affairs. MINDS is insuring that the critical role of the Citizen Soldier in homeland defense and national security is well understood.