Institute For Defense And Business

Strategic broadening seminars (sbs)idb's strategic broadening seminars provide educational programs for company-grade officers, warrant officers, and senior non-commissioned officers to expand their strategic perspective and strengthen leadership skills, challenging them to think differently, consider non-u.s. Military perspectives, and prepare to operate in uncertain future environments.industry based broadening (ib2) sbs, part of idb's sbs portfolio, connect military leaders with industry through targeted visits, academic sessions, and group work. In 2024, the ib2-logistics program ran twice with 28 participants, while ib2-information environment was offered once to 12 participants.the dense urban studies (dus) sbs provides u.s. Army students with an immersive learning experience on urban infrastructure, networks, and human dynamics in dense cities. In 2024, two cohorts totaling 57 participants based in fort hamilton, ny, each explored new york city over two weeks.

Aviation industrial readiness program (air-p)building on the success of its depot and arsenal executive leadership program, and responding to u.s. Navy needs, idb launched the aviation industrial readiness program (air-p) in 2018 in partnership with fleet readiness center east and nc state university. The program equips leaders from aviation-focused defense industrial facilities with leadership development and business acumen through academic instruction, benchmarking, and corporate residencies.air-p cohort 5, which began with academics in october 2023, completed corporate and benchmarking residencies through the spring 2024, and a final academic residency and graduation in june 2024. In october 2024, air-p cohort 6 was fielded with 24 participants from the u.s. Navy, air force, and army. Academic residencies were accomplished through the end of 2024. Corporate and benchmarking residencies took place in the winter and spring of 2025 and the cohort had its final academic residency and graduation in june.

Logistics for the 21st century (log21) provides early-career logisticians with a tailored educational experience to support professional growth and highlight the value of long-term careers in logistics and sustainment. In 2024, demand remained strong with four offerings and 138 participants. By focusing on this previously underserved group, log21 has become a cornerstone of idb's logistics education portfolio, earning high evaluations as students gain stronger networks, resilience, and problem-solving skills for future challenges.

Air force continuous process improvement for executives program (ci2e): since 2016, idb has delivered custom continuous process improvement (cpi) courses for air force senior leaders, held in locations nationwide including colorado springs, co; dayton, oh; chapel hill, nc; san antonio, tx; and washington, dc. Idb delivered four in-residence offerings of the "continuous improvement and innovation for executives" program in 2024to 92 participants in north carolina. In 2024, idb supported the air force's master process officer summit by recruiting faculty and assisting with curriculum design and event management,

Life cycle executive leadership program (lcelp): the life cycle executive leadership program (lcelp), created to address industry and military needs for education on life cycle management and total ownership cost, helps technical and business managers make informed design and support decisions. In 2024, idb delivered lcelp twice, with one in-person and one virtual offering reaching 39 participants.

National electrical contractors association ceo advanced leadership seminar: the national electrical contractors association (neca) ceo advanced leadership seminar (cals) equips senior executives with the strategic insights and leadership tools needed to navigate complex business challenges. Designed for top decision-makers, the seminar emphasizes long-term vision, organizational transformation, and best practices from across industries to strengthen leadership effectiveness and drive sustained success. Idb delivered one cals program to 16 participants in 2024.

Idb executive fellows program: the idb executive fellows program provides recently retired senior leaders from the military services, as well as an active industry leader, an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with established and promising new leaders in the dod, the military services and the private sector. During 2024, the fellows participated in, and made presentations at all of idb's programmatic offerings. Idb fellows provided their insight on emerging military- and education-related issues and trends.

Defense commissary agency leadership and broadening programs: the defense commissary agency (deca) leadership and broadening programs are designed to expand participants' strategic perspective while enhancing leadership and management skills. Drawing from elements of idb's ib2 and lcelp programs, these offerings challenge participants to think differently, strengthen decision-making, and gain exposure to broader defense and industry practices. The programs prepare deca personnel to take on greater responsibilities and contribute to long-term organizational success, with two offerings reaching 55 participants in 2024.