Center for Naval Analyses

The Center For Naval Analyses (PE 0605154N) is a program element within the Department of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support budget. Its primary objective is to provide independent, objective, and expert analyses to support the Navy and Marine Corps in addressing both current and future operational challenges. The Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), as a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), is uniquely positioned to deliver research and analysis at all security classification levels. CNA leverages its access to sensitive data and direct exposure to fleet operations worldwide.

MCOAG (Project 0031) supports the Marine Corps portion of the Department of the Navy's FFRDC research program. Managed as part of the Marine Corps Studies System, its goal is to provide the Marine Corps with independent research and analysis on specific issues that require the expertise and objectivity of an FFRDC. Analysts are embedded at various Marine Corps commands globally, including Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Pacific, Marine Special Operations Command, and Marine Expeditionary Forces. The program is closely aligned with Marine Corps Advocacy areas such as logistics, manpower, training, acquisition, operations, aviation, combat development, and intelligence.

For FY 2026, MCOAG's objectives focus on supporting the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (CD&I) and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) in priorities such as Force Design 2030 and USMC Vision and Strategy 2025. Specific goals include analysis for force redesign of the Marine Information Group, modeling for space domain operations, evaluating multi-domain mobile reconnaissance units, and supporting the development of new warfighting concepts like Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO). The program also addresses the integration of unmanned systems, joint and coalition interoperability, and the assessment of threats from major adversaries.

MCOAG provides scientific analyst support to key Marine Corps leadership positions and organizations, including the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and Marine Corps Systems Command. The program delivers analytical support for field exercises, ad hoc studies, and quick response requirements. This ensures the Marine Corps can adapt to emerging operational needs and maintain readiness as the nation's naval expeditionary force-in-readiness. In FY 2026, the scope of analysis projects is reduced compared to previous years, reflecting budgetary adjustments and prioritization of efforts.

Center For Naval Analyses (CNA) (Project 0148) supports the Navy's portion of the FFRDC research program, focusing on thirteen product areas such as manpower, intelligence, operations, infrastructure, resources, capability integration, acquisition, field programs, exercises, scientific analysis, quick response projects, concept development, and naval analyses initiated projects. CNA's mission is to provide the Navy with independent research and analysis on operational problems, field support to fleet commanders, scientific analyst support to Deputy Chiefs of Naval Operations, and studies across the spectrum of naval operations.

In FY 2026, CNA will conduct studies and provide on-site analytic support to 30 Navy organizations, including detailed analyses for two wargames and exercises. Research areas include development and evaluation of tactics, testing of new systems, assessment of current capabilities, logistics and readiness, workforce management, space and cyber operations, cost and operational program analysis, and assessment of advanced technology. CNA also supports broader policy, strategy, and doctrine development for the Department of Defense, as well as long-term program planning and capability integration.

CNA's work supports Navy analytic priorities and contributes to improving force structure, fleet effectiveness, and cost avoidance. The program provides analytic support to a wide range of Navy and Marine Corps sponsors, including OPNAV, HQMC, the Navy Secretariat, Type Commanders, numbered Fleets, component commanders, Combatant Commands, and SYSCOMs. In FY 2026, the program will see a reduction in the number of analysis projects compared to FY 2025, reflecting strategic reform initiatives and budgetary adjustments aimed at promoting efficiency and aligning with broader Department of Defense transformation efforts.