This January, just after the inauguration of our 47th president of the United States, we (MDAA and the University of Southern California) hosted the fourth cohort of the SHIELD Executive Forum in Global Space and Deterrence for an immersive residency weekend that brought together senior military and civilian leaders representing all branches of the armed services. This annual program, a collaboration between the USC Price School of Public Policy, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), exemplifies the critical intersection of academia and national security, equipping leaders with cutting-edge knowledge to address the evolving challenges of space and missile defense.
The first day of the residency began with exclusive briefings at the Pentagon, where the cohort gained firsthand insights from senior leaders in OSD Policy, U.S. Space Force, the Air Force, and the Joint Staff. The discussions underscored the growing importance of integrated strategies in policies and capabilities to address advanced missile threats and the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in supporting strategic deterrence. These dialogues were timely in front of the Executive Order directing the development of an Iron Dome-style missile defense shield for the United States, reflecting the nation’s prioritization of space and homeland defense.
On the second day, the cohort moved to Capitol Hill, where teams presented their capstone research projects to 14 congressional staffers from both Democrats and Republicans led by Senator Dan Sullivan’s leadership. Five teams tackled topics that highlight some of the most pressing national security issues: enabling island defense, resilient space architecture, establishing a Space National Guard, improving modeling and simulation capabilities, and preparing for the 2025 Missile Defense Review. The briefings emphasized the need for targeted policy adjustments and the importance of leveraging academic research to inform legislative decisions. These interactions not only reinforced the relevance of their work but also underscored the program’s focus on translating scholarly analysis into actionable policy.
Throughout the weekend, participants benefited from dedicated consultations with MDAA leaders John Rood, Mark Montgomery, and Riki Ellison, as well as SHIELD alumni who provided guidance on refining the capstone projects. This mentorship highlighted the collaborative nature of the program, with alumni actively contributing to the development of the next generation of defense leaders. The residency also featured a social and networking event hosted by Riki Ellison, offering participants the opportunity to foster meaningful connections across the government.
Central to the program was the integration of USC’s academic expertise. Faculty experts delivered lectures on the latest applications of artificial intelligence in national security, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation. By focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, the SHIELD program enables participants to tackle complex issues at the nexus of policy, engineering, innovation, and business, preparing them to lead in an era of rapid technological advancement and strategic competition.
The residency highlighted the vital role of academia and executive education in addressing national security challenges. By engaging military and civilian leaders in academic exploration, the SHIELD program is ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of space, deterrence, missile defense, and homeland security policy. As the program continues to grow, its impact resonates far beyond the classroom, contributing to a safer, more secure future for the nation.
Click HERE to learn more about the USC SHIELD program.
