National security analysis continues to increase in importance.  As today’s national defense establishment faces critical decisions related to developing new capabilities, these are required to deal with asymmetric threats, conduct irregular and counter-insurgency warfare, and effectively pursue the global war on terrorism—and still maintain an effective conventional warfighting capability.  APL's National Security Analysis Department (NSAD) and its Warfare Analysis Programs conduct studies and analyses for policy-makers within DoD and other government organizations to assist decision makers as they address these critical challenges regarding future national security needs and capabilities.

NSAD focus areas include operational analysis, mission analysis, threat analysis, scenario development, and modeling and simulation. In another principal focus area, strategic assessments, the department facilitates Laboratory engagement at the national security policy level by leading and participating in broad-ranging analyses of national security policy and strategy.

Department analysts apply operations analysis techniques to understand and solve complex operational problems.  This process involves problem definition, mission needs analysis, concept evaluation, as well as systems effectiveness analysis.  These efforts help APL sponsors understand and incorporate new warfighting concepts and requirements, while innovatively developing and acquiring affordable and sustainable systems.

NSAD also has unique analysis, modeling and simulation facilities to apply in the warfare analysis process.  The Warfare Analysis Laboratory (WAL) provides a forum for military operators, systems engineers, and threat specialists to analyze new advanced concepts for meeting future operational needs.  Large-screen, interactive computer displays and an extensive group decision support system provide an environment for using a broad range of mission area, force and theater-level models and simulations in seminar war-games, as well as other collaborative exercises and evaluations.