CDR Michael Borja

CDR Michael Borja is the U.S. Navy federal executive fellow assigned to the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). Born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan, Borja commissioned as an intelligence officer through officer candidate school in Pensacola, Florida, in 2007 via the Navy’s Baccalaureate Degree Completion Program.

Throughout his career, Borja completed multiple deployments to the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM areas of operation. His operational tours include: fleet intelligence watch officer and intelligence plans and exercise lead for commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, embarked USS Blue Ridge; targeteer and assistant air intelligence officer for Carrier Air Wing Two, embarked USS Ronald Reagan; intelligence officer, Joint Special Operations Task Force, Operation Enduring Freedom; and assistant N2 and collections manager for Amphibious Squadron Four, embarked USS Iwo Jima.

Borja’s previous shore tours include: U.S. Special Operations Command liaison officer to the U.S. Department of Justice; special collection operations officer, Counter-WMD Analysis Cell, Defense Intelligence Agency; and indications and warning watch officer, United States Forces Korea J2.

From 2021–2024, Borja served as the senior intelligence officer for Navy Operational Assessments at Naval Intelligence Activity (NIA) in the Pentagon. As a subject matter expert in Chinese military affairs and strategy, Borja advised senior Navy leaders of strategic intelligence affecting Navy acquisition programs and directed intelligence community support for Navy force structure assessments and force design efforts.

Borja earned his BA in international studies from American University in 2006. Borja also earned his MS in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University in 2012.

Borja’s awards include: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2); Joint Commendation Medal (2); Navy Commendation Medal (2); Navy Achievement Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; and Career Sea Service Ribbon.