Operation Overwatch
In this article for the Represent series, Megan Gemar suggests a comprehensive program to address the concerning female retention rates in the Army and build inter-service connections amongst women.
Topic: Reform
Read the most recent CSIS research on defense reform efforts.
Cultivating a Defense Department Workforce for the Digital Era
Among the top priorities for President Biden’s Department of Defense should be retaining and cultivating a skilled STEM workforce at all levels in the Pentagon.
Restore Trust in National Security Institutions
For some time, trust in U.S. democratic institutions has been declining. There is an immediate need to rebuild and sustain public confidence in democracy and in U.S. national security institutions, and that starts by elevating civic education as a national security imperative.
Statement from the Editors on the Attack on the Capitol of January 6, 2021
Like other Americans, we were appalled by the seditious attack on the Capitol last Wednesday. We watched as the mob’s disregard for the Constitution and democracy threatened the safety of elected government servants, congressional staff, and law enforcement officers. At least five people have died as a consequence of these actions. But the sickening element…
Bad Idea: Eliminating, Rather Than Reforming, Overseas Contingency Operations Funding
Nothing in D.C. has the ability to unite political adversaries like a mutual hatred of the Pentagon’s OCO funding. But eliminating OCO — instead of reforming it — could further imperil the greater transparency and accountability that its detractors seek.
Bad Idea: Excluding Qualified Leaders from Pentagon Service Because of Defense Industry Experience
The Pentagon needs strong leadership. Qualified candidates should not be excluded for their defense industry ties — especially as history has shown these individuals lead with integrity and skill.
Bad Idea: Domestic Terrorist Organization Designations
Creating a new authority to designate domestic terrorist groups would be a mistake. There are, however, mechanisms under existing law that could be better utilized to combat domestic terror.
Nuclear Command and Civilian Control: Civil-Military Relations and the Use of Nuclear Weapons
In the nuclear realm, the challenge of civilian control is solved with presidential authority. Understanding and addressing the concessions that presidents might make to military expertise surfaces the precarious nature of civilian nuclear command and control.
What Americans Can Do to Address Bias and Structural Racism in the U.S. Foreign Affairs and National Security Workforce
In Part II of a two-part article for the series, Tony Johnson offers ideas to address structural racism and bias in America’s national security workforce.
How I Got Here
In her article for “Represent,” Wardah Amir shares her story and struggles of a being a Muslim American joining the U.S. national security community and offers hope for creating a more diverse and inclusive field.