Jonathan P. Wong

Photo of Jonathan Wong
Associate Policy Researcher
Santa Monica Office

Education

Ph.D. in policy analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School; M.Phil in policy analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School; M.A. in security studies, Georgetown University; B.A in poltical science, University of California San Diego

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

Jonathan Wong is an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. His research focuses on the role of new technologies, processes, and concepts in shaping how militaries fight. He also contributes to other force development research and RAND's military logistics, manpower, intelligence policy, and strategy portfolios.

Previously, Wong was a consultant at Boston Consulting Group, advising corporate clients on strategic decision-making in the industrial goods and public sector spaces. He also served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an enlisted infantryman, infantry officer, and manpower planner from 2001-11, deploying multiple times to Iraq and the Western Pacific.

Wong has a B.A. in political science from the University of California San Diego, an M.A. in security studies from Georgetown University, and an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in policy analysis from the Pardee RAND Graduate School.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

  • Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study
  • Accelerating Modernization and Innovation: Use of Other Transactions for Prototype Projects Authority
  • Addressing Four Challenges to SOCOM Innovation
  • Key Considerations in Assessing the Impact of Integrating Women into Marine Corps Infantry Units

Selected Publications

Jonathan Wong, "Applying Rapid Acquisition Policy Lessons for Defense Innovation," Marine Corps University Journal, 8(2), 2017

Matthew E. Boyer, Michael Shurkin, Jonathan P. Wong, Ryan Schwankhart, Adam Albrich, Matthew W. Lewis, Christopher G. Pernin, Assessing Conventional Army Demands and Requirements for Ultra-Light Tactical Mobility, RAND (RR-718-A), 2015

Agnes Gereben Schaefer, Jennie W. Wenger, Jennifer Kavanagh, Jonathan P. Wong, Gillian Oak, Thomas E. Trail, Todd Nichols, Implications of Integrating Women into the Marine Corps Infantry, RAND (RR-1103-USMC), 2015

Jonathan Wong, "Poltics and Professionalism: A Cautionary Note," Marine Corps Gazette, 94(12), 2010

Honors & Awards

  • Hogaboom Leadership Writing Award, Marine Corps Association

Commentary

  • Aerial view of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

    Book Review: The Heart of War—Misadventures in the Pentagon by Kathleen McInnis

    Both Washington insiders and the general public may be inspired by Kathleen McCinnis's The Heart of War. The novel prompts readers to think more realistically about the Pentagon and its role in policymaking.

    Jan 8, 2019 War on the Rocks

  • Soldiers conduct cyberspace operations during a training rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, January 24, 2016

    The Pentagon's New Chief Innovation Officer Should Tread Lightly

    The innovation efforts taking place in the Department of Defense are exciting and have much potential. But installing a chief innovation officer with centralized authority who may become just another bureaucratic player among many could spoil those efforts.

    Nov 3, 2016 War on the Rocks

  • Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara visits Fort Bragg, North Carolina in October 1961

    In Defense of Defense Analysis

    Rather than characterize Robert McNamara's legacy as one of inefficiency, his economic, quantitative analysis of military problems should be portrayed as an innovative, if flawed, first adoption of more sophisticated methods for defense analysis.

    Sep 2, 2016 War on the Rocks

  • U.S. troops train Afghan soldiers to operate equipment in Laghman Province, Afghanistan, January 2014

    Don't Learn the Wrong Lessons from Rapid Acquisition

    Rapid acquisition practices that worked during recent wars may not easily translate to peacetime endeavors. Enthusiasm for rapid acquisition must be tempered by an understanding of the circumstances that made it work and the downsides that were accepted in wartime.

    Jun 23, 2016 Defense One

  • Paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade training with NATO allies in Poland

    Rethinking U.S. Force Planning

    While the renewed interest in crisis response forces by the military services is welcome in these times of uncertainty, forces that are permanently assigned to a geographic combatant command and based in a region continue to offer distinct benefits. RAND research has shown that an overseas presence enhances contingency responsiveness in most cases.

    May 16, 2014 The RAND Blog

Publications