National Security

RAND conducts a broad array of national security research for the U.S. Department of Defense. RAND also carries out an extensive research program in homeland security, homeland defense, and terrorism-related research for the U.S. Government, as well as selected research for key allied governments and ministries of defense. Through its long-term investment in federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), the U.S. government has built a network of institutions with unique analytical and technical capabilities.

National security research is conducted by the following RAND FFRDCs: RAND Project AIR FORCE, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force; RAND Arroyo Center, sponsored by the U.S. Army; RAND National Defense Research Institute, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

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Explaining the Increase in Unemployment Compensation for Veterans During the Global War on Terror — Nov. 26, 2008

The Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) program provides income assistance to unemployed veterans as they search for work, a number that increased by about 75 percent between 2002 and 2004, raising concerns that veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having difficulty finding civilian jobs.

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History of Egyptian Grassroots Political Reform Movement Provides Insight Into Reform Efforts — Nov. 25, 2008

The Kefaya Movement, an indigenous effort for political reform organized in Egypt, provides policymakers with an example of the challenges grassroots organizations in the Arab world face as they try to implement democracy and political reform. In late 2004, Kefaya was able to mobilize wide segments of Egyptian society.

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Center Assesses Post-Deployment Health-Related Needs of Iraq Veterans — May 11, 2008

The Invisible Wounds of War Study assessed Iraq veterans' health-related needs associated with PTSD, major depression, and traumatic brain injury, examined the treatment capacity of the current health care system, and estimated the costs of providing quality health care to all military members who need it.

November 25, 2008: Piracy Needs Regional Answer, By Peter Chalk (United Press International)

November 17, 2008: While China's Regional Influence Grows, U.S. Remains Key Security and Economic Partner in East Asia

November 16, 2008: Obama's First International Crisis, By Brian Michael Jenkins (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

November 12, 2008: U.S. Department of Defense Faces Obstacles in Meeting Small-Business Contract Goals

November 11, 2008: Talk to the Taliban? Not Now, By Cheryl Benard (United Press International)

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How Terrorist Groups End - Lessons for Countering al Qa'ida

All terrorist groups eventually end. But how do they end? The evidence since 1968 indicates that most groups have ended because they joined the political process (43 percent) or local police and intelligence agencies arrested or killed key members (40 percent). Military force has rarely been the primary reason for the end of terrorist groups, and few groups within this time frame have achieved victory.

Final Report

War by Other Means: RAND Counterinsurgency Study -- Final Report

Cover: War by Other Means--Building Complete and Balanced Capabilities for Counterinsurgency

The difficulties encountered by the United States in securing Iraq and Afghanistan despite years of effort and staggering costs raises the central question of the RAND Counterinsurgency Study: How should the United States improve its capabilities to counter insurgencies, particularly those that are heavily influenced by transnational terrorist movements and thus linked into a global jihadist network?

Final Report