Advising and supporting national defense decision-makers
Defense policy leadership
Arizona State University is advancing a new model of how universities can be of service to America’s national defense and global leadership. As a national leader in advising on defense policy, ASU combines a deep bench of military and security experts with the transdisciplinary expertise of faculty members across multiple fields of knowledge. The university also leverages its presence in Washington, D.C., to facilitate regular dialogue and collaboration with policymakers and defense institutions, contributing to productive discourse around national security and the development of solutions to critical defense challenges.
Flag Officer Advisory Council
Meet ASU’s world-class military leaders and advisers
A flag officer in the U.S. military refers to the most senior commissioned officers, entitled to display a personal flag indicating their rank. ASU’s Flag Officer Advisory Council comprises numerous senior military officials who support ASU’s service to the nation in defense policy, military affairs and technology development.
The council’s members are distinguished by their legacy of service to America. They include retired generals and admirals from across the U.S. armed forces, each of whom brings decades of experience in counterterrorism, disaster response, homeland security, defense systems development, diplomacy and many more critical national security disciplines. Together, they provide expertise to strengthen ASU's engagement with crucial defense-related topics, while also serving ASU’s learners as lecturers, mentors and community builders among military-connected learners and ROTC students.
ASU President Michael Crow: Bridging the worlds of academia and defense
ASU President Michael M. Crow is a prominent figure in national security and defense policy circles dedicated to strengthening American leadership. As a globally recognized expert in science and technology policy, President Crow makes significant contributions to strategic decision-making around defense policy, technology and education. President Crow is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has advised multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of State, as well as national laboratories, colleges and universities, and think tanks working in defense. Since 2006, he has served as chairman of the board of In-Q-Tel, a venture capital firm that identifies and invests in cutting-edge technologies to support U.S. intelligence agencies, providing leadership and strategic guidance to bridge the gap between private sector development and applications in national security.
Strengthening American leadership in Asia
ASU plays a distinctive role in advancing U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, a strategically vital region, by convening defense stakeholders, government partners and academic institutions to strengthen alliances and deepen engagement across the region.
The McCain Institute: Character-driven leadership for a free, safe and just world
Reflecting the legacy of Senator John McCain and his family's dedication to public service, the McCain Institute works to advance democracy, human dignity and security in America and around the world. The institute works with local and national partners to turn ideas into action and impact across multiple areas, including democracy promotion, combating human trafficking, preventing hate-based violence, national security and counterterrorism, and global leadership development. Through its annual Sedona Forum, the institute convenes leaders from government, military, business and civil society to foster dialogue on pressing global challenges and develop practical solutions that honor Senator McCain's commitment to finding common ground and serving the greater good.
ASU also honors Senator McCain’s legacy through the McCain Library and Museum, which broke ground in Tempe in January 2026 and will serve as an enduring resource for scholars, students and the public.
Promoting responsiveness to modern defense challenges
Today's security environment requires understanding conflict beyond traditional warfare. ASU advances American capabilities through interdisciplinary research and education that supports the Department of War and equips defense leaders to navigate irregular threats and strategic competition.