The Hacking for Defense Manual: Solving National Security Problems with the Lean Methodology

The Hacking for Defense Manual by Jeff Decker, PhD, is a comprehensive guide for the Hacking for Defense (H4D) program that is a graduate-level course taught at more than 70 colleges and universities around the world. This manual teaches Lean Startup Techniques used to tackle the toughest national security problems and outlines the application of strategies to better understand government issues, build and test prototypes, and develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).

Key chapters include the development of the Problem Statement, Mission Model Canvas (MMC), Beneficiary-Value Proposition Canvas (VPC), Influence Maps, and Workflow Diagrams. Readers explore real-world case studies like Capella Space and Anthro Energy and see the transformative impact of H4D beyond defense, into environmental and diplomatic spheres, as well as learn about deep problem understanding, iterative learning and stakeholder communication.

Practical tasks, exercises, and a glossary of key terms are included to help students and start-up founders apply H4D methods in real-life scenarios. Prepare to drive innovation in national security through entrepreneurial solutions with the proven Lean Launchpad techniques that make H4D one of the most robust approaches to solving some of the most pressing issues facing government today.

“Securing our nation from increasingly complex and dangerous threat requires all hands on deck. The Hacking for Defense Manual helps citizens understand how they can do their part to promote peace and security for generations to come.” — Lieut. Gen. (ret.) H.R. McMaster, Former U.S. National Security Advisor

“Any aspiring founder looking to do business with the government could stand to learn from The Hacking for Defense Manual as they work on finding innovative solutions to some of the country's toughest problems.” — Trae Stephens, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Anduril Industries & General Partner at Founders Fund

"A great guide on how to pursue your passion for technology and innovation, and also make a difference to our national security.” — William J. Perry, 19th U.S. Secretary of Defense

“H4D is a proven methodology emphasizing speed and iteration in developing new concepts and solutions for warfighters. It’s more than a manual; this is the HOW TO for future defense technology solutions.” — Michael Brown, Partner at SHIELD CAPITAL, Former Director of the Defense Innovation Unit