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Your search for Defense Policy found 254 results.

Deterring China's Use of Force in the Space Domain

/analyses/2025/05/deterring-chinas-use-of-force-in-the-space-domain

This analysis examines the evolving deterrence dynamics between the US and China in space.

helped maintain the peace between the United States and the Soviet Union, and it remains a cornerstone of US defense policy today. However, for reasons both geopolitical and technological, the ability ... warfighting domains. Given the nature of the space domain and China’s Active Defense strategy, we predict that the potential first mover advantage offered by attacks in space could decrease the potential ... , including building the overall resiliency of the space architecture, increasing space domain awareness (SDA), and assessing potential escalatory scenarios to determine US policy responses

Preparing for Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response in Large-Scale Combat Operations

/analyses/2024/08/preparing-for-civilian-harm-mitigation-and-response-in-large-scale-combat-operations

Civilian harm mitigation and response requires a comprehensive approach. This report makes recommendations for mitigation, response, learning, analysis, and reporting.

of Defense for Policy requested that CNA develop practical steps DOD can take to prepare for mitigating and responding to civilian harm in the context of a LSCO. This report examines the what , why , and how regarding DOD adopting a CHMR approach to LSCOs. For the what , we describe the data-driven CHMR approach outlined in the CHMR-AP and in DOD policy and identify characteristics of LSCOs ... overall. In 2022, Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Lloyd Austin directed the creation of the Department of Defense’s (DOD’s) Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP). The action plan

Lessons on Safety Culture from Private-Sector Safety Executives

/analyses/2024/01/lessons-on-safety-culture-from-private-sector-safety-executives

CNA engaged with senior safety leaders at 21 major corporations and synthesized 14 key findings and leadership actions to improve US military safety.

–level executives who manage and oversee large and complex organizations, which is similar to how Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) develops policy and oversees Department of Defense (DoD) Component policy implementation. The goal of the study is to provide specific recommendations to OSD based on industry best practices to improve the safety culture within the DoD. Study approach ... and synthesized 14 key findings and leadership actions to improve US military safety. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness (OASD(R))/Force Safety and Occupational Health (FSOH

William Merz

/about-us/leadership/board-of-trustees/william-merz

authored Navy and Marine Corps warfighting concepts, the Navy’s COVID-19 policy, and maritime elements of the National Defense Strategy, the Nuclear Posture Review, and the Navy’s “Blue Arctic.” A career ... William Merz Vice Admiral William Merz, USN (Ret.) /images/About-Us/Leadership/Board/William-Merz.png Vice Admiral Bill Merz is senior vice president of Aerospace and Defense Technologies for Oceaneering International. He was previously the vice president of operations for Entergy. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves in several defense industry advisory positions

china ai and autonomy report: Issue 22, September 8, 2022

/our-media/newsletters/china-ai-and-autonomy-report/issue-22

The China AI and Autonomy Report, issue 22, is a biweekly newsletter published by CNA, on artificial intelligence and autonomy in China.

incursion occurred over Erdan Island, part of Taiwan’s offshore islands close to the PRC coast. The use of live rounds follows an August 28 statement by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND ... drone defense system,” which suggests the development of a UAV to shoot down other UAVs. The PRC Taiwan Affairs Office responded to the drone shoot down by accusing Taiwan of trying to “create ... through Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency projects such as autonomous vehicle competitions. Cognitive Warfare PLA Daily article highlights use of AI in cognitive warfare as part

Exploring Racial Ethnic and Gender Disparities in the Military Justice System

/analyses/2023/06/exploring-racial-ethnic-and-gender-disparities-in-the-military-justice-system

Data from FY 2014 to FY 2020 indicate major racial and gender disparities in military justice system (MJS) outcomes. This report outlines potential next steps.

major racial and gender disparities in military justice system (MJS) outcomes. This report outlines potential next steps. Background Section 540I of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (FY 2020 NDAA) required the secretary of defense, in consultation with the secretaries of the military departments and the secretary of homeland security, to: Issue guidance that establishes ... . The Office of the Executive Director for Force Resiliency within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness asked CNA to provide analytic support to fulfill these requirements

Nuclear Arms Control Without a Treaty

/analyses/2019/03/nuclear-arms-control-without-a-treaty

The United States must prepare to compete with Russia without a treaty that verifiably constrains intercontinental range nuclear weapons. This coming challenge stems from three changes in US-Russian relations.Recognizing these changing conditions, the report explores risks, uncertainties, and US policy options for a world in which there is significant competition between Washington and Moscow, but no bilateral strategic nuclear arms control treaty.

, and US policy options for a world in which there is significant competition between Washington and Moscow, but no bilateral strategic nuclear arms control treaty. This report explores risks and US policy options for a specific scenario: The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) expires with no follow-on treaty in tow. We identify the key risks and uncertainties the United States and Russia would face after New START and develop a portfolio of policy options for mitigating them. We also identify the impact US-Russian nuclear dynamics after New START may have on China’s nuclear policy

Promoting Civilian Protection during Security Assistance

/analyses/2019/05/promoting-civilian-protection-during-security-assistance

For four years, the United States provided the Saudi-led coalition with military equipment and assistance used in its campaign in Yemen. During that time, the US has wrestled with and debated both the legality and wisdom of its support. After four years of conflict in Yemen, the US should be asking: what lessons can be learned from four years of support to the Saudi-led coalition? In light of the significant civilian protection concerns seen in Yemen, is there a way to get better outcomes from security assistance activities? This report aims to answer those questions. We analyze US support to the Saudi-led coalition and identify two gaps in policy and information, respectively. We also examine the timely issue of better protecting health care in the midst of armed conflict. In this report, we provide a policy framework for including civilian protection considerations as part of security assistance.

, is there a way to get better outcomes from security assistance activities? This report aims to answer those questions. We analyze US support to the Saudi-led coalition and identify two gaps in policy and information, respectively. We also examine the timely issue of better protecting health care in the midst of armed conflict. In this report, we provide a policy framework for including civilian protection ... ? This report aims to answer those questions. We identify two gaps in policy and information, respectively, and answer the timely issue of better protecting health care in the midst of armed conflict

Insights for the Third Offset

/analyses/2017/insights-for-the-third-offset

CNA conducts analysis for the U.S. Navy, the Department of Defense (DOD), and other sponsors, ranging across policy, strategy, organizational processes, technical performance of military systems, and current operations. Because of the expected impact of autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI) to the character of warfare, CNA has created a Center for Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence to focus on these emerging technologies and their significant role in U.S. defense policy and all the military services. The Center combines CNA’s strengths and experience in conducting objective analysis of U.S. military operations with focused expertise in autonomy and other aspects of AI. This report, the first created by the new Center, takes lessons and insights from CNA’s body of work for the Navy and the joint force, including CNA’s field program of embedded analysts in military commands around the world. Though much of the emerging technology examined in this report is new, the approach of applying lessons from U.S. operations and institutional processes to key challenges in leveraging autonomy and AI continues CNA’S applied research paradigm of exploring many opportunities to resolve or work around challenges that have been seen before. The aim of this report is to anticipate challenges of “Third Offset” implementation based on past lessons, and then provide concrete recommendations for promoting the effective incorporation of autonomy, AI, and related technologies in U.S. military operations. This report discusses making autonomy and AI militarily effective from an acquisition and technology perspective, and how to pursue these capabilities in ways that are consistent with long-standing U.S. values and that promote broader U.S. national interests.

, the Department of Defense (DOD), and other sponsors, ranging across policy, strategy, organizational processes, technical performance of military systems, and current operations. Because of the expected impact ... role in U.S. defense policy and all the military services. The Center combines CNA’s strengths and experience in conducting objective analysis of U.S. military operations with focused expertise ... … to achieve a step increase in performance that the department [U.S. Department of Defense] believes will strengthen conventional deterrence.” Unlike past offset strategies, this approach must

The-Impact-of-the-CNOs-Strategic-Studies-Group-1981-1995

/analyses/2016/the-impact-of-the-cnos-strategic-studies-group-1981-1995

Condensed version of Making Captains of War summarizes the impact of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group in its first 15 years from 1981.

contributions to U.S. Navy policy, operational art, and tactics, and to the development of the Maritime Strategy. Until now, there has been little systematic documentation or analysis of the SSG’s ... an atmosphere that was conducive to strategic and operational innovation. Changes in the U.S. defense establishment in the wake of the Vietnam War set the stage for a revival of strategic thinking ... to the establishment of the Global War Game series in 1979. The change in presidential administration in 1981 also served as a catalyst for establishing the SSG, as it ushered in an era of increased defense