THE NATIONAL SECURITY FORUM
The National Security Forum (NSF) was established by Dr. Tyrus Cobb in 2009 to promote discussion regarding critical national security issues facing the United States. As a former special assistant to President Reagan serving on the National Security Council staff, Dr. Cobb has maintained his keen interest in global developments affecting the United States.
The NSF sponsors monthly Forums that allow people to interact with subject matter experts on a variety of topics. NSF is a non-partisan, nonprofit, educational organization believing in vigorous, open, and balanced discussion and debate on vital issues affecting all Americans.
The NSF offers a broad range of insightful programs and commentaries. Speakers have included military officers, diplomats, academic specialists, terrorism experts, and many others. Subjects have ranged from Iraq and Afghanistan to Syria and the Middle East to US relations with China. Other programs have explored less frequently examined but critical issues such as U.S. preparedness for biological warfare.
More than 1,200 have registered online to receive regular updates on speakers and updates on issues, invitations to programs, and access to our website. Our monthly Breakfast forums draw an average of 150 participants from northern Nevada and California. Attendees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, often with military, diplomatic, intelligence, and business experience, and ranging from students to retirees.
Since March we have moved to virtual forums on Zoom. This has allowed us to expand the variety of speakers and topics — we don’t have to fly someone here! To participate in the Forums live, you must be a dues-paying member. This allows you to interact with the speakers in person, getting your questions answered during the Forum. The recording of our Forums are posted online here for anyone to view
The NSF has been recognized as a non-profit educational organization by the state of Nevada and the IRS. It is guided by a Board of Directors who are building the NSF into a premier educational organization to promote learning and debate about national security issues.
A membership program exists to build a solid body of supporters and to provide some financial income to pay expenses. The NSF provides hotel accommodations to speakers as well as a modest honorarium. All members of the board of directors serve on a pro bono basis.
NSF also is expanding its relationship with such like-minded organizations as the Council on Foreign Relations, Northern Nevada International Center, Asia Society, World Affairs Councils, and others. Such partnerships will strengthen our ability to bring objective, critical information and presentations to the public.
The NSF will be seeking philanthropic support from the community. Membership and other contributions are tax-deductible. Our goal is to ensure financial stability for the long run, enhance our ability to attract the widest range of quality speakers, and to offer reduced program fees for students. We appreciate contributions from those in a position to underwrite NSF programs and invite them to discuss with members of the board how they might best support our goals.
These critical issues facing the United States and the global community must continually be addressed to ensure an informed citizenry. Come join us for informed discussion and to meet new friends with like-minded interests!
The views and opinions expressed in the presentations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official policy or position of the NSF.