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  awhaley@cnas.org.