ESTABLISHED AS THE EDUCATIONAL BRANCH OF THE RESERVE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, THE DEFENSE EDUCATION FORUM (DEF) STANDS AS THE NATION'S PREMIER SOURCE FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING RESERVE COMPONENT TOPICS AND PRESSING NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES IMPACTING RESERVE SERVICE MEMBERS WITH AN ONGOING CALENDAR OF FORUMS, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES, AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FEATURING THE NATION'S TOP EXPERTS. DEF BROADENS THE SCOPE AND EXPOSURE OF THE RC AND NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES TO CIVILIAN, MILITARY, LEGISLATIVE COMMUNITIES, AND BEYOND. IN ADDITION, DEF PRODUCES ROA'S UNIQUE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS THAT BRING YOUNG SERVICE MEMBERS FROM ALL BRANCHES OF THE RC TOGETHER FOR UNPARALLELED MENTORING, NETWORKING, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN A ONE OF A KIND JOINT OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT.