Women in Defense, a National Security Organization.

• Position: Affiliates

Cultivating and supporting the advancement and recognition of women in all aspects of national security is the purpose of Women In Defense, A National Security Organization. Members of this professional organization, including men and women, have careers related to the defense of the United States.

WID is an affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association. WID members automatically become members of NDIA.

Members represent three main categories: large and small defense companies and other businesses, all branches of the armed forces, plus federal government agencies, academia, associations and professional services.

Members receive:

* A forum for expanding professional networks and for mentoring.

* Early access to potential promotion opportunities and career advancement.

* Educational and professional development opportunities.

* Entree to distinguished government and industry officials in open discussions.

* A source for scholarships.

Established in 1985, this volunteer-run organization is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership. Appointed committees help carry out the association's mission.

Chapters exist in several parts of the nation, and others are being considered. Chapters present a local means of serving members and the defense community, while fulfilling the association's mission. Chapters host programs in cooperation with local military installations, provide professional development for members through leadership opportunities, and support community based charitable endeavors, members of the armed forces and defense-related educational pursuits.

Some chapters have developed around military installations. The Iowa/Illinois Chapter is centered around Rock Island Arsenal, Ill., and the Picatinny Chapter attracts employees from Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. Also in New Jersey, WID members have formed the Monmouth Chapter around Fort Monmouth. The majority of members in these chapters are military or government.

In southern Maryland, industry representatives make up the majority of the Chesapeake Bay Chapter, which draws participants from the Naval Air Station Patuxent River and its supporting defense industry. In the Tennessee Valley Chapter, where just over half the members represent industry, activities center around Huntsville, Ala., home of the Redstone Arsenal. Members in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area belong to the Capital Chapter.

Growth and expansion have characterized Women In Defense in recent...