Military preparedness, operations evaluation, systems analysis, foreign affairs, strategic relationships, international cooperation, resources, conflicts, humanitarian operations, logistics—these are just some of the many issues that define the scope of our work in the national security arena.

Meeting our national security needs is a complex undertaking that requires personal dedication, world-class talent and technical skill. All are qualities that define our national security research staff, and reflect an institution-wide commitment to a public service mission.

Built upon research techniques developed over more than six decades, we use scientific methods to support the effective use of military forces and other defense concerns through our Center for Naval Analyses.

Our analysts pioneered the field of operations research in the 1940's through their groundbreaking work with the Navy during World War II. Today, our goal is the same as it was then: to serve as an unfailing resource for high quality, impartial research and analysis that provide decision makers with the kind of expert, cutting-edge analyses that can make the difference between good and great decisions—and between success and failure.

In times of peace, and war, our analysts work on the ground, directly with operating forces. We don't seek answers in ivory towers, rather, our work is defined by a unique brand of multi-disciplinary, field-based "real world" research and analysis that combines observation of people, decisions, and processes. A key focus is on conducting on-the-ground research, in real time, and on integrating the lessons learned in the field to strengthen our longer-term research efforts.

Our research model is a living iteration of an insight Sir Isaac Newton had 300 years ago: that direct observation of events and people, by highly trained analysts, can improve practitioners' understanding of complex and dynamic processes. This model has been extremely valuable to a wide range of government decision makers. It is a hallmark of our scientific methodology—and ensures that the policies and systems the military services develop for the future are tempered by an understanding of the complexities of the real world.

Our work includes finding the best ways to employ new weapons and technologies and to handle the complex command-and-control relationships critical to multinational alliances and coalition operations.