The Purdue National Security & Defense Society is a student-led organization at Purdue University focused on preparing students for careers and leadership in national security and defense. Describing itself as the first defense-focused student organization at Purdue and the nation’s largest solely student-led organization of its kind, it welcomes students across all majors. Its mission is to help students explore and engage with security and defense through education, leadership, and collaboration, while promoting public service, innovation, and ethical responsibility.

The society offers hands-on technical projects, networking opportunities, and professional development to connect academic learning with practical experience. It also organizes events, including an annual National Defense Career Fair held each fall at Purdue. In 2025, the fair drew more than 40 registered defense employers and participation from over 500 students. Past participating employers included Lockheed Martin, RTX, L3Harris, Draper, CACI, Sandia National Laboratories, and branches of the U.S. military. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization aims to develop future national defense leaders and build a multidisciplinary community committed to security.