Transnational Professional Experience of Military leaders

This dataset provides a comprehensive account of the international professional experiences of national Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) and subordinate service chiefs, the top military leaders responsible for advising national political authorities. By compiling information on transnational engagements—including international professional military education, participation in international missions, and service in multinational headquarters—the dataset offers an empirical basis for analyzing military elites' professional socialization and transnational practices. The dataset may serve as a valuable resource for understanding how military leadership shapes national defence strategies and influences transnational military cooperation and policy-making. By revealing patterns of international exposure among top military professionals, the data provides insights into the broader implications of military professionalisation and transnational engagement in an interconnected global security environment.