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; RAND Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security.

Latest Research

  • A Russian Sukhoi Su-24 attack aircraft makes a very low altitude pass by USS Donald Cook, April 12, 2016, photo by U.S. Navy

    Russian Coercive Signaling Toward the West

    In recent years, Russia has consistently engaged in signaling activities—military actions far short of direct aggression but often creating escalatory risks—toward the United States and its allies. Understanding what drives this behavior can help U.S. efforts to interpret future events.

    Sep 29, 2022

  • Cars drive and residents gather at the Shorja wholesale market during a sandstorm in Baghdad, Iraq, July 3, 2022, photo by Ahmed Saad/Reuters

    A New Approach to U.S. Security Policy in the Middle East

    U.S. interests in the Middle East and the risks posed to them have evolved in ways that call for a modified set of priorities. The United States should not disengage from the region, but instead protect its interests by relying less on military operations and more on diplomacy and other civilian tools.

    Sep 22, 2022

  • Doctor working on a digital tablet with copy space, photo by 6okean/Getty Images

    Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Health Care Appointments

    There are no national standards for how long is too long for a patient to wait for a health care appointment. Better data about the timeliness and quality of VA Community Care are needed to help veterans make better-informed decisions. What are some recommended approaches to improve data collection and reporting?

    Sep 21, 2022

  • Airmen wear new female body armor during training at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, June 29, 2021, photo by Lauren Russell/U.S. Air Force

    How the Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling Could Affect U.S. National Security

    Women are an integral part of the U.S. military and DoD civilian workforce. Limiting their access to legal abortion services will affect their health and could decrease force readiness. It could also raise health care, child care, and education costs, and affect recruitment and retention.

    Sep 13, 2022

  • A soldier crawls under barbed wire during the obstacle course portion of a spur ride

    The Women's Reproductive Health Survey (WRHS) of Active-Duty Service Members: Methods and Analysis

    This brief reviews the development and administration of the Women's Reproductive Health Survey of active-duty service women, as well as the population and sample, survey weights, imputation of missing data, analysis approach, and limitations.

    Sep 13, 2022

National Security News