Systems engineering effectively initiates the missions, turning an initial idea into a full system description, with all necessary elements integrated into a complete whole. These blueprints can then become the basis of subsequent decision-making. The concept of systems engineering is both challenging and exciting, offering technical professionals the opportunities to use their knowledge and skills in diverse and dynamic environments and to have real impact on engineering problems facing the world. External members of the systems engineering community are developing new approaches, new academic programs, and new processes to face the challenges ahead. Increased awareness and learning in systems engineering will be needed for future success across a wide range of critical national security and social problems.