Sharper: Next Generation in National Security

It is imperative for the United States to ensure that the next generation of national security leaders and public servants are properly prepared for the challenges and opportunities to come. This includes providing transparent clearance process guidelines, building a network of mentors and peers, and developing critical skills for the private and public sector. CNAS is committed to meeting future foreign policy challenges by equipping a new generation of national security leaders. Continue reading this edition of Sharper to explore the Center's initiatives, research, and agenda for empowering the next generation in national security.

Features

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 and are actively seeking opportunities, employers within the federal government aren’t always able to access them. What is standing in the way? A CNAS report offers a response to the demonstrated need for a well-qualified civilian workforce in American national security institutions as challenges grow. 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.

The Pitch: A Competition of New Ideas

Applications for The Pitch are now open! Students and early career professionals from across a variety of sectors submit innovative policy ideas to meet new challenges in U.S. national security policy. Selected applicants pitch their ideas during a virtual event in front of a distinguished panel of judges. The winners of each heat and the people's choice winner will move on to the final round during the CNAS 2024 National Security Conference.

Next Generation National Security Leaders

Now in its 15th year, the Shawn Brimley Next Generation National Security Leaders Fellowship is a fundamental component of CNAS’ commitment to ensuring the United States develops a diverse cadre of talented individuals dedicated to preserving and strengthening its national security. This month, the Center announced the selection of 24 emerging leaders for the 2024 class of fellows. This year’s fellows include members of the military; government professionals, including from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and Congress; individuals from the private and nonprofit sectors; and think tank experts.

Make Room Study Session | Deep Dive: Think Tanks

Join our Make Room study session, Deep Dive: Think Tanks on Thursday, February 29 from 4:30–5:30 PM ET. The conversation will outline the different types of research think tanks—how they operate, the types of research and business roles available for young professionals, and the ways think tank professionals impact national security policy. Our panelists will address what daily work at a think tank looks like and outline some of the benefits and drawbacks they have experienced working for their respective organizations.

Commentaries

Insights from The Pitch 2023: A Competition of New Ideas

A Sci-Fi Concept That Should Become Reality: Asteroid Mining Is Essential for the Future of U.S. National Security

“For many Americans, it seems difficult to imagine a world in which the United States sources its lithium and cobalt from an asteroid thousands of miles from Earth rather than an underground mine in Argentina or the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” posits Anna Blue. “Yet, that world is not far off; recent advancements in robotics technology have made it possible for spacecraft to successfully approach distant moving asteroids, latch on, and drill for vital minerals. It is time for the American government, through NASA and related agencies, to invest quickly and heavily in robotic asteroid mining, a strategic venture that will boost access to critical resources, reduce U.S. dependence on unstable or hostile countries, and enable the nation to meet its sustainable-development goals.”

Power of the People: Harnessing the Nation’s Human Capital through Remote Work

“People power is the core of U.S. national security,” argues Jennifer Lee. “From the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the President’s Management Agenda to the CHIPS and Science Act, the federal government has identified the need for an agile, diverse workforce to address the national security challenges of tomorrow. However, it simultaneously faces multiple emerging human capital challenges. At the same time as experts call attention to talent gaps that could threaten American competitiveness in critical, high-tech sectors (e.g., quantum computing, artificial intelligence), a significant portion of the current federal workforce is nearing retirement age; employees over 55 make up nearly 29 percent, and the average age of the federal workforce is more than five years greater than the national average. Fortunately, the government has an underutilized tool at its disposal to address these human capital and national security risks: remote work.”

Strengthening the DoD’s Innovation Ecosystem through Structured Collaboration across Service Branches

“Because emerging defense technology is being applied in critical ways across the globe, the United States needs to consistently invest in and scale the capabilities that would make the most impact in future conflicts,“ writes Sam Pandey. “To address the problems hindering the Department of Defense from modernizing its portfolio of defense technology, the department should build a pilot program to involve the warfighter early in the diligence process to validate and qualify appropriate emerging technologies under consideration for capital investment.”

About the Sharper Series

The CNAS Sharper series features curated analysis and commentary from CNAS experts on the most critical challenges in U.S. foreign policy. From the future of America's relationship with China to the state of U.S. sanctions policy and more, each collection draws on the reports, interviews, and other commentaries produced by experts across the Center to explore how America can strengthen its competitive edge.

Subscribe

Sign up to receive the latest analysis from the CNAS expert community on the most important issues facing America's national security.