August 17, 2023

New CNAS Report: “The Future of Civilians in National Security”

Washington, August 17, 2023 —Today, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) released a new report, “The Future of Civilians in National Security” from authors Katherine Kuzminski, Nathalie Grogan, and Celina Pouchet.

The report offers a response to the demonstrated need for a well-qualified civilian workforce in American national security institutions as challenges grow.

With a significant expansion in civilian opportunities in national security since 9/11, CNAS examined quantitative data from 2001-2021 utilizing records obtained after Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests from 20 federal departments and agencies. Additionally, researchers organized eighteen focus groups over two years, including undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals.

This report also offers a fully built-out interactive element, aimed at educating the next generation of national security professionals and further informing civilian personnel policy.

“Ultimately, the findings indicate that improvements to the federal hiring process, the clearance timeline, initial pathways into government service, and access to talent beyond Washington, D.C., have the potential to ensure that the federal government has the employees needed to provide for the nation’s security,” write the report authors. “Such improvements require action from the executive branch and Congress.”

The report elaborates on these recommendations, offering specific objectives for the executive branch, Congress, and colleges and universities.

This project was made possible by the generous support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Katherine Kuzminski, please contact Alexa Whaley at  [email protected].

Military, Veterans & Society

The Future of Civilians in National Security

The federal government needs people with specific skills, knowledge, and experience in the national security workforce. While there are qualified individuals who want to serve...

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Authors

  • Katherine L. Kuzminski

    Deputy Director of Studies, Director, Military, Veterans, and Society Program

    Katherine L. Kuzminski (formerly Kidder) is the Deputy Director of Studies, and the Director of the Military, Veterans, and Society (MVS) Program at CNAS. Her research special...

  • Nathalie Grogan

    Former Research Associate, Military, Veterans, and Society Program

    Nathalie Grogan is a former Research Associate for the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at CNAS. Her research focused on the National Guard and military families. Groga...

  • Celina Pouchet

    Former Intern, Military, Veterans, and Society Program

    Celina Pouchet is a former Joseph S. Nye Jr. Intern for the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Before joining CNAS, Cel...