Arlington, VA

Dr. Jonathan Schroden, a senior member of the CNA research team, is departing CNA at the end of this month to serve as the research director for the Afghanistan War Commission, a bipartisan group established by Congress to conduct a comprehensive review of key decisions on U.S. involvement in Afghanistan over two decades. "Jonathan's absence from the CNA team will be very evident, but we know his expertise is needed in a position that is extremely important to our nation," said CNA President and CEO Dr. Katherine McGrady. "Jonathan has been an integral part of our CNA team since 2003. His research on irregular warfare, counterterrorism, and the challenges facing special operations forces has been invaluable to our national security."

At CNA, Schroden served as the director of both the Countering Threats and Challenges Program and the Special Operations Research Program, where his work supported U.S. government efforts to better understand and counter state and non-state threats and challenges. His prior assignments include senior advisor positions with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, U.S. Central Command, Multinational Forces - West in Iraq, the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, and U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command. His notable projects include several independent assessments of Afghanistan's security forces, a congressionally mandated assessment of special operations force structure, and an independent review of the Marine Corps' Future Force Design.

"During my years at CNA I have been able to explore and grow my expertise which, in turn, has made this next professional opportunity a reality," said Schroden. "I know my colleagues will continue to thrive as they pursue research that guides key strategic, diplomatic and operational decisions at the highest levels of the U.S. military." Schroden is joining the Afghanistan War Commission as part of an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement for the next three years. His tenure begins on October 2.