Laura L. Miller

Senior Social Scientist; Quality Assurance Manager, RAND Project Air Force

Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. and M.A. in sociology, Northwestern University; B.A. in European and Soviet studies, University of Redlands

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

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Overview

Laura L. Miller is a senior social scientist at the RAND Corporation. For 30 years she has studied the lives of military personnel and their families through surveys, observations, discussion groups, one-on-one interviews, and analyses of military policy and personnel data. Research topics include military culture and organization; deployment experiences; gender integration; sexual harassment and sexual assault; social problems; health and well-being; military families; military spouse education and employment; attitudes toward gays and lesbians in the military; unit cohesion and morale; and civil-military relations. To collect primary data, Miller has traveled to more than 45 stateside installations and to overseas bases and operations in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Germany, Haiti, Hungary, Korea, Kuwait, Macedonia, Qatar, the Serb Republic, and Somalia. Miller received her Ph.D. in sociology from Northwestern University.

Research Focus

Concurrent Non-RAND Positions

Chair and President, Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society

Previous Positions

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Consensus Committee on the Well-Being of Military Families; Advisory Board, American Sociological Association Spivack Program in Applied Social Research and Social Policy; Personnel Policies Team, Office of the Secretary of Defense Independent Review Related to Fort Hood; Task Force on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies; Panel to Investigate Sexual Misconduct at the United States Air Force Academy; Secretary of the Army's Transition Team; Member, Army Science Board; Survey Consultant, Congressional Commission on Military Training and Gender-Related Issues; Consultant, U.S. Secretary of the Army's Sexual Harassment Panel

Selected Publications

Consensus Committee on the Well-Being of Military Families, Strengthening the Military Family Readiness System for a Changing American Society, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, 2019

Miller, Laura L., Coreen Farris, Marek N. Posard, Miriam Matthews, Kirsten M. Keller, Sean Robson, Stephanie Brooks Holliday, Mauri Matsuda, Rachel M. Burns, Lisa Wagner, and Barbara Bicksler, A Survey System to Assess Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Students in Occupational Specialty Training, RAND Corporation (RR-2692-AF), 2019

Laura L. Miller, Coreen Farris, and Kayla M. Williams, "Challenges to Evaluating U.S. Military Policy on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment," Military Psychology, 30(3), 2018

Miller, Laura L., David Knapp, Katharina Ley Best, Esther M. Friedman, Gabriella C. Gonzalez, Mark E. Totten, Jennie W. Wenger, Thomas E. Trail, Marek N. Posard, and Ernesto F. L. Amaral, An Early Evaluation of the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship for Military Spouses, RAND Corporation (RR-2093-OSD), 2018

Miller, Laura L., Eyal Aharoni, Understanding Low Survey Response Rates Among Young U.S. Military Personnel, RAND Corporation (RR-881), 2015

Miller, Laura L., Laurie T. Martin, Douglas Yeung, Matthew Trujillo, and Martha J. Timmer, Information and Communication Technologies to Promote Social and Psychological Well-Being in the Air Force: A 2012 Survey of Airmen, RAND Corporation (RR-695-AF), 2014

Meadows, Sarah O., Laura L. Miller, and Jeremy N. V. Miles, The Association Between Base-Area Social and Economic Characteristics and Airmen's Outcomes, RAND Corporation (RR-132-AF), 2014

Miller, Laura L., Jennifer Kavanagh, Maria C. Lytell, Keith Jennings, and Craig Martin, The Extent of Restrictions on the Service of Active-Component Military Women, RAND Corporation (MG-1175), 2012

Honors & Awards

Gold Medal Merit Award 2014, RAND
Gold Medal Merit Award 2011, RAND
Mentor Spotlight Award, 2018, RAND Behavioral and Policy Sciences

Commentary

United States Army

Give Them Sabbaticals
In academia and, increasingly, corporate America, sabbaticals are a time-honored way to step aside from the daily grind and intellectually reboot. The U.S. Army should embrace something similar, writes Laura Miller.
May 7, 2008
USA Today

Publications

Report
Domestic Abuse in the Armed Forces: Improving Prevention and Outreach
This report presents domestic abuse prevention and outreach strategies that can be used to improve U.S. Department of Defense programs.
May 16, 2023
Research Brief
Domestic Abuse Prevention and Outreach Approaches for the Military Community
This study focused on identifying strategies to help prevent domestic abuse among service members and their spouses or partners before it occurs and strategies for outreach to high-risk groups that could be effective in the military environment.
May 16, 2023
Report
Managing Adverse and Reportable Information Regarding U.S. Military Officers: 2019 Update
The authors analyze the policies and processes for reporting unfavorable information about U.S. military officers being considered for appointments, promotions, or retirements and make recommendations for improvement.
Jul 1, 2022
Report
Reducing the Risk of Extremist Activity in the U.S. Military
The authors present a framework for reducing the risk of extremism in the U.S. military and recommend a community-based approach to better support commanders with their responsibilities for combating extremism.
Sep 16, 2021
Report
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): Policy Alignment Between the Department of Defense and the Services
Each military service branch runs its own Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The authors compare service branch EFMP policy with the overarching Department of Defense (DoD) policy, pointing to areas where each policy may be edited for more consistency.
May 3, 2021
Report
Availability of Family Violence Services for Military Service Members and Their Families
The authors examine resources available to military-affiliated victims and perpetrators of child abuse/neglect and domestic abuse, barriers to utilization, and challenges faced in addressing these issues, and recommend ways to improve services.
Nov 25, 2019
Report
2017 U.S. Air Force Community Feedback Tool: Key Results Report for Air Force Headquarters
This report presents results from a self-reported needs assessment of airmen, spouses of airmen, and Air Force civilian employees intended to help leadership and service providers better address the major challenges that community members are facing.
Nov 14, 2019
Draft
The Impact of a Spouse Incentive on Employee Retention: Evidence from a Military Spouse Scholarship
The authors evaluate the impact of the U.S. Department of Defense's My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship program, which provides tuition assistance to military spouses for education and training, on the retention of military personnel.
Aug 23, 2019
Report
Air Force Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs and Services: Contribution to Airman and Family Resilience and Readiness
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs are key to resilient and ready Airmen and families. The authors developed a resilience and readiness model and compared it with target outcomes of MWR services. Next steps are also provided.
Jul 31, 2019
Report
A Survey System to Assess Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Students in Occupational Specialty Training
This report provides recommendations for how the Air Force's survey system for monitoring abuse and misconduct in Basic Military Training can best be adapted for use in technical training and flying training environments.
Mar 5, 2019
Report
An Early Evaluation of the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship for Military Spouses
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarships are intended to help military spouses with education and employment. This report evaluates MyCAA use, employment and earnings of eligible spouses, and service continuation of their service members.
Nov 29, 2018
Research Brief
Early Evidence from the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship for Military Spouses: Work, Earnings, and Retention
My Career Advancement Account Scholarships are intended to help military spouses with education and employment. The percentage of eligible spouses working declined over time, but users were more likely than nonusers to be working two years later.
Nov 29, 2018
Report
Air Force Sexual Assault Situations, Settings, and Offender Behaviors
To assist Air Force efforts to prevent and respond to sexual assault, this report focuses on providing a better understanding of sexual assaults committed by airmen, including suspect characteristics and behaviors and risky situations and settings.
Apr 10, 2018
Report
Today's Soldier: Assessing the Needs of Soldiers and Their Families
This report describes results of surveying 7000 soldiers about the problems that they and their families face, their needs for assistance, use of Army and non-Army resources to address those needs, and the implications of unmet needs for soldiers.
Oct 9, 2017
Report
The Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program: Recommendations for an Internal Monitoring System
This report outlines a strategy for the U.S. Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy office to track progress on initiatives that aim to provide career development and employment assistance for military spouses.
Sep 7, 2016
Report
A Review of the Literature on Sexual Assault Perpetrator Characteristics and Behaviors
This report aims to assist the Air Force in its continued efforts to combat sexual assault perpetration within its ranks through an examination of the existing empirical literature on adult perpetrators who commit sexual assault against other adults.
Jan 5, 2016
Report
Airman and Family Resilience: Lessons from the Scientific Literature
This final report in a series reviews the concepts and measures of resilience, resilience factors, hardiness and flourishing. It highlights the eight fitness domain companion reports and types of Air Force data that could be used to track resilience.
Sep 29, 2015
Report
Understanding Low Survey Response Rates Among Young U.S. Military Personnel
A review of major online U.S. military surveys found very low response rates among young enlisted members. The authors explore possible explanations, why such rates might not reflect bias, and what to do before investing to increase participation.
Jul 9, 2015
Report
An Integrated Survey System for Addressing Abuse and Misconduct Toward Air Force Trainees During Basic Military Training
RAND developed an integrated survey system to help the U.S. Air Force's Air Education and Training Command monitor and address abuse and misconduct by military training instructors toward trainees during Basic Military Training.
Jun 18, 2015
Report
A Review of Research on Problematic Internet Use and Well-Being: With Recommendations for the U.S. Air Force
This report reviews the scientific literature on the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of problematic Internet use (PIU) with the goal of informing Air Force policies to curb PIU's negative impact on operations and the mental health of Airmen.
Mar 20, 2015
Testimony
Higher Education Benefits for Post-9/11 Military Service Members and Veterans
Statement for the record submitted before the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on March 17, 2015.
Mar 17, 2015
Report
Federal Educational Assistance Programs Available to Service Members: Program Features and Recommendations for Improved Delivery
RAND reviewed federal educational assistance programs for service members to provide an overall view of the system and suggest ways to assess it and help manage individuals' use of the programs.
Feb 23, 2015
Report
Advancing the Careers of Military Spouses: An Assessment of Education and Employment Goals and Barriers Facing Military Spouses Eligible for MyCAA
The authors use survey data to compare the attitudes and experiences of recent users and nonusers of My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA), a scholarship program for eligible military spouses pursuing associate's degrees, certificates, or licenses.
Jan 21, 2015
Report
Information and Communication Technologies to Promote Social and Psychological Well-Being in the Air Force: A 2012 Survey of Airmen
This report presents the findings from an exploratory survey of 3,479 active-duty, guard, and reserve Airmen on their use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the association between ICT use and social and psychological well-being.
Aug 25, 2014
Report
The Association Between Base-Area Social and Economic Characteristics and Airmen's Outcomes
This report shows whether and how base-area characteristics are associated with individual-level Airman outcomes across several different domains, including health and well-being, social cohesion, and ratings of neighborhood resources.
Feb 3, 2014
Report
Exploring the Association Between Military Base Neighborhood Characteristics and Soldiers' and Airmen's Outcomes
This report explores how neighborhood theory and social indicators research shed light on quality of life in and around military bases, gaps in the methodology, and how a more in-depth analysis of military installations could be conducted.
Jan 24, 2013
Report
The Extent of Restrictions on the Service of Active-Component Military Women
To support a congressionally mandated review of gender-based assignment restrictions in the U.S. military, RAND researchers described and quantified the positions that are closed to women in each of the services.
May 21, 2012
Periodical
RAND Review: Vol. 36, No. 1, Spring 2012
Stories cover Iran's nuclear threat, social security in Mexico, programs for veterans, crime costs, U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, the health insurance mandate, legal defense, marijuana legalization, global education, and Louisiana's coastal planning.
May 11, 2012
Research Brief
Assessing the Needs of Service Members and Their Families: A New Approach
Describes a new survey design framework that is centered on what service members and their families believe are their greatest needs.
Nov 21, 2011
Report
A New Approach for Assessing the Needs of Service Members and Their Families
Describes the development and testing of a survey tool that the Department of Defense and local military commanders can use to gauge the problems and problem-related needs of service members and their families and how well those needs are being met.
Nov 21, 2011
Report
Year of the Air Force Family: 2009 Survey of Active-Duty Spouses
Air Force families confront issues related to children, finances, employment, and the effects of moves and deployments but, by and large, remain satisfied with Air Force life.
Mar 3, 2011
Report
Cultural Themes in Messages from Top Air Force Leaders, 2005-2008
Messages from senior Air Force leaders to Airmen need to reinforce stated cultural goals and generally do so. Greater emphasis and clarity are needed in some areas, and some dissemination challenges exist.
Apr 12, 2010
Report
Indefinite Reenlistment and Noncommissioned Officers
Considers the utility of the U.S. Army shift, in 1998, of its senior enlisted force from a fixed enlistment contract system to indefinite reenlistment and the potential applicability to the other service branches.
Jan 29, 2007
Research Brief
Deployment, Stress, and Intention to Stay in the Military
This research brief summarizes a multidisciplinary study to provide insight into the effect of deployment on military personnel and permit several implications to be drawn for policy.
Jan 13, 2006
Report
How Deployments Affect Service Members
Offers insights into the challenges faced by active-duty service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, the resiliency they and their families have shown in coping with these challenges, and the adequacy of defense manpower policy in assisting members and families.
2006
Research Brief
Replacing Aging Trainer Aircraft is a Question More of Cost Than of Capability
This research brief describes work documented in Assessing the Impact of Future Operations on Trainer Aircraft Requirements (MG-348-AF).
Nov 25, 2005
Report
Police Personnel Challenges After September 11: Anticipating Expanded Duties and a Changing Labor Pool
Drawing on RAND's extensive work in military personnel management, this paper identifies potential planning and analysis tools that might be adapted to address the some of the recruiting and retention challenges faced by law enforcement agencies.
Oct 12, 2005
Report
Assessing the Impact of Future Operations on Trainer Aircraft Requirements
Addresses the impact of changing skills required of fighter, mobility, bomber, and Special Operations Forces pilots on decisions about replacing or extending service lives of trainer aircraft
Jun 29, 2005
Report
New Opportunities for Military Women: Effects Upon Readiness, Cohesion, and Morale
Gender integration has had only small effects on the matters that count most: defense readiness, unit cohesion, and morale.
1997
Research Brief
Military Readiness: Women Are Not a Problem
Integration of women has had a small effect on readiness, cohesion, and morale — leadership, training, and the unit workload are perceived as having a far more profound influence.
1997