NDIA Michigan History | NDIA - Michigan Chapter

Connecting To Protect Our Nation

NDIA History

The National Defense Industrial Association has been bringing together industry and the military for more than a century. From its earliest days, the goal has been the same: to strengthen the defense industrial base and make sure our warfighters have the best tools and technology possible.

1919

The NDIA, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, is the premier association representing all facets of the defense and technology industrial base and serving all military services. NDIA has been at the forefront of defense technology and policy since it was founded in 1919 as the Army Ordnance Association.
1944

The Michigan Chapter was founded in 1944, where it led countless efforts supporting all branches of the U.S. armed forces, local, state, and federal government, as well as corporate entities that support our warfighters, first responders, and patriotic Americans. Eventually, the state became a hub for collaboration between government, the military, and the defense industrial base.
1992

U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) partnered up with the Michigan Chapter to launch its first TACOM Logistics Symposium, which quickly grew into a major event with nearly 1,000 attendees and 80+ exhibits. Following its success, the Chapter also facilitated an Acquisition Symposiums, Industry Days, Force Projection Symposiums, and the Defense Sector Cybersecurity Summit.
2004

A new partnership with the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) kicked off, leading to the launch of the Intelligent Vehicle Systems and Power & Energy symposia. These efforts later expanded into hallmark events now known as Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS), Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) and the Cyber Physical Systems Security Summit (CPS3).
The Michigan Chapter was also recognized for the first by NDIA National as a Model Chapter for outstanding programs and engagement. The Michigan Chapter continued to receive the award annually for the next 10 years.
2007

NDIA Michigan formally partnered with the Women in Defense (WID) Michigan Chapter, strengthening our focus on inclusion and industry leadership.
2018 - Today

In 2018, NDIA National bestowed its highest Chapter accomplishment, the Chapter of Excellence award to the Michigan Chapter. This award symbolizes the overwhelming dedication, leadership, impact and strength of our community.