National Strategies 

National strategies, like the one we are studying in this lesson, are crafted/orchestrated by a single cabinet secretary via collaboration with other departments, special advisors and even outside sources (e.g., private-sector think tanks, advisory councils/committees, commissions, etc.). In addition, these strategies are usually linked to and thus fulfill Congressional mandates and the President's vision, policies and directives. 

A good strategy also includes several factors such as: 

• Subordinate to presidential policy (i.e., it links vision/policy with actions)
• Subordinate to the strategic environment (i.e., considers both external & internal factors)
• Holistic perspective (i.e., considers national beliefs, values & interests)
• Pro-active (i.e., recognizes that maintaining the status quo is not a valid course of action)
• Cognizant that friction will be inherent throughout the process
• Focused on an overall, specific goal
• Driven by many objectives required to reach the stated goal
• Comprised on concepts designed to achieve the stated objectives
• Assessed based on the resources required and/or available to implement the concepts
• Cognizant that risk is inherent throughout the process

Please keep these factors in mind when reviewing the National Strategy for the Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets.  In addition, please remember that this strategy has no legal authority to direct activities at the state or lower levels of government.