Strategic & Operational Research Department
The Strategic and Operational Research Department (SORD), part of U.S. Naval War College (NWC) Center for Naval Warfare Studies, produces innovative research and analysis for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the broader security community.
Strategic and Operational Research Department
Research and Analysis at SORD
SORD produces forward-thinking and timely research, analysis, and gaming that anticipates future operational and strategic challenges. We develop and assess strategic and operational concepts to overcome challenges by providing analytical products that inform the U.S. Navy’s leadership and help shape key decisions.
Regional Areas of Focus
Our regional areas of focus include Eurasia, the Indo-Asia-Pacific, and the greater Middle East. Faculty members not only possess in-country experience and historical knowledge, but also facility in critical languages such as Russian, German, French, Chinese, and Japanese.
Research Centers
We are home to several research centers and institutions that dive deeper into issues of interest to the U.S. Navy:
Advanced Research Programs
Faculty-led special advanced research programs also call our department home. These groups offer domestic students a chance to participate in gaming, research, and other real-world scenarios pertaining to strategy, planning, and operations.
Strategic & Operational Research Department Faculty
Our experienced and renowned faculty have years of earned expertise across a wide range of naval and educational topics. To learn more, please use the link below to access the online directory.
Visit Faculty