The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) has launched a new research and study department named the Institute for Future Warfare Studies.
The department is aimed at understanding how armed conflict may evolve in the future and how the United States can better prepare for it.
It was opened by NWC president Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley on February 1.
The mission of the new institute is to serve as a cross-functional focal point for NWC action to support defining the future Navy, and associated roles and missions.
“Anticipating future security challenges is critical to national security,” said Harley. “And navies are expensive and require capital, and they take many years to build. That’s why we have to look out a long way to figure out what we’re going to need.”
IFWS will be taking a long-range look at the warfare needs of the country, according to William Glenney, IFWS acting director.
“What differentiates us from other activities that are looking at these issues is the time horizon,” said Glenney. “Most of the other groups are looking at a one to two, maybe three-year time horizon because they are talking about today’s problems. Our charter indicates we will be looking 30 years out.”
Harley has placed an increased emphasis on NWC helping futurize the Navy.
“This institute will become another vital service we are providing to Navy decision makers and stakeholders,” said Harley. “We are excited about the research this group — working with their partners in government, academia, and industry — will provide to us and to the fleet.”