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

  • Veteran Jane DeGreef put up a display along Wilkshire Circle SW in North Canton, Ohio, to raise awareness of veteran suicide, September 17, 2021, photo by Julie Vennitti Botos/USA Today via Reuters

    Suicide Prevention for U.S. Veterans: The Need for Data-Driven Solutions

    Sep 22, 2021

    What can be done to prevent veteran suicide in America? Investments in data and science may be the key. Strategies including improving the national mortality data infrastructure and collecting better data on veteran firearm ownership could help save veterans’ lives.

  • Seabees coordinate transportation of sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt who have tested negative for COVID-19 from Naval Base Guam to military-approved commercial lodging, in Guam, April 3, 2020, photo by MC Matthew R. White/U.S. Navy via Reuters

    Lessons from COVID-19 Infections on U.S. Navy Ships

    Sep 21, 2021

    The U.S. Navy's handling of the early COVID-19 outbreak on the USS Theodore Roosevelt revealed some cracks in the service's readiness to respond to major medical events. The relative lack of severe consequences in this instance should not prevent the Navy from reviewing those shortfalls and their implications for readiness.

  • Jessica Marie Watkins (second from left) and Donovan Ray Crowl (center), both U.S. veterans who have since been indicted for their roles in the Capitol riot, in Washington, D.C., January 6, 2021, photo by Jim Bourg/Reuters

    Reducing the Risk of Extremist Activity in the U.S. Military

    Sep 16, 2021

    The majority of military personnel are not extremists. But to address their potential exposure to and involvement in extremist activities, commanders who are tasked with combatting extremism could get some support from existing programs that promote diversity and inclusion and prevent violence.

  • Australian sailors raise the colors aboard HMAS Darwin, photo by Royal Australian Navy photo by Cpl. Chris Dickson/Royal Australian Navy

    Supporting the Royal Australian Navy's Strategy for Robotics and Autonomous Systems

    Sep 14, 2021

    The Royal Australian Navy has embarked on an ambitious plan to modernise its maritime capabilities to support Australia's defence strategy. What should the Navy consider when developing its robotics, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence strategy?

  • Russia's President Vladimir Putin speaks during a meeting with Russian Olympic athletes at the Moscow Kremlin in run-up to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, June 30, 2021, photo by Sergei Bobylev/Reuters

    Can a Pragmatic Relationship With the Taliban Help Russia Counter Terrorism?

    Sep 8, 2021

    In the weeks and months after U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russia can apply its diplomatic, intelligence, and military tools to prevent the spread of instability beyond the country. Some of Russia's choices may conflict with U.S. goals for Afghanistan, but there are areas of alignment.

National Security News