About NSRD
The RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD) delivers methodologically rigorous research and analysis to help the Department of War and the broader national security community address the United States’ most critical defense and security challenges. NSRD’s analytic agenda aligns with the Department’s evolving priorities—in particular, positioning the United States for strong homeland defense; preparing for great-power war; addressing the national security implications of emerging technologies; revitalizing the defense industrial base; ensuring a strong and ready joint force; and rebalancing security relationships with allies and partners. Undergirding NSRD’s research priorities is a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of national security strategists and policy leaders.
NSRD operates the National Defense Research Institute (NDRI), a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) whose sponsors include the Office of the Secretary of War, the Joint Staff, the Unified Combatant Commands, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the defense agencies, and the defense Intelligence Community. Three other RAND FFRDCs support the U.S. Air Force (Project AIR FORCE), the Department of Homeland Security (HSOAC), and the U.S. Army (the Arroyo Center). Analyses from RAND’s FFRDCs account for billions of dollars in savings and cost avoidance for the federal government.
With access to the full range of RAND’s interdisciplinary talent, NSRD configures project teams that bring to bear the most appropriate mix of subject-matter and methodological expertise for our sponsors’ needs. RAND's over 1,000 researchers have advanced degrees in more than 350 disciplines, spanning defense and military strategy, international relations, political science, engineering, advanced technologies, operations research, applied mathematics, economics, and cyber and data sciences.
NSRD’s analytic agenda—executed across four programs—helps senior defense leaders anticipate emerging security threats and navigate an increasingly dangerous and complex security environment.
- Acquisition and Technology Policy
- International Security and Defense Policy
- Navy and Marine Forces
- Personnel, Readiness, and Health
For more information about FFRDCs—in general and at RAND—see RAND FFRDCs.