<P> A National Security Council ( NSC ) is usually an executive branch governmental body responsible for coordinating policy on national security issues and advising chief executives on matters related to national security . An NSC is often headed by a national security advisor and staffed with senior - level officials from military , diplomatic , intelligence , law enforcement and other governmental bodies . The functions and responsibilities of an NSC at the strategic state level are different from those of the United Nations Security Council , which is more of a diplomatic forum . </P>
what is the purpose of the national security council
coordinating policy on national security issues and advising chief executives on matters related to national security