Andrew Marshal

American defense strategist

Andrew W. Marshall (September 21, 1921 – March 26, 2019) was an influential American defense strategist and analyst. He served as the director of the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) at the United States Department of Defense from its inception in 1973 until his retirement in 2015. Marshall was known for his strategic foresight and his role in shaping U.S. defense policy over several decades.

Early life and education

Andrew Marshall was born in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the University of Chicago, where he studied economics under the tutelage of Frank Knight and Milton Friedman. Marshall's academic background in economics and his analytical skills laid the foundation for his future work in defense strategy.

Career

RAND Corporation

Marshall began his career at the RAND Corporation, a think tank that provides research and analysis to the United States Armed Forces. At RAND, he worked alongside prominent strategists such as Herman Kahn and Albert Wohlstetter. His work at RAND focused on strategic planning and the development of military strategies during the Cold War.

Office of Net Assessment

Andrew Marshall in his office

In 1973, Marshall was appointed by Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger to lead the newly established Office of Net Assessment. The ONA was tasked with providing long-term strategic assessments and identifying emerging threats to U.S. national security. Under Marshall's leadership, the office became known for its innovative approaches to defense analysis and its emphasis on understanding the capabilities and intentions of potential adversaries.

Marshall's work at the ONA was characterized by his focus on "net assessment," a method of evaluating the relative strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. military compared to its adversaries. He was instrumental in promoting the concept of the "Revolution in Military Affairs" (RMA), which emphasized the transformative impact of technology on warfare.

Influence and legacy

Marshall's influence extended beyond his official role, as he mentored several generations of defense analysts and strategists. His ability to anticipate future challenges and his emphasis on strategic thinking left a lasting impact on U.S. defense policy. Marshall's work contributed to the development of key defense initiatives, including the Strategic Defense Initiative and the Third Offset Strategy.

Retirement and death

Andrew Marshall retired from the Office of Net Assessment in 2015, after more than four decades of service. He passed away on March 26, 2019, at the age of 97. His contributions to defense strategy and his role as a visionary thinker continue to be recognized and studied by military and policy experts.

Related pages

• Office of Net Assessment
• Revolution in Military Affairs
• RAND Corporation
• Strategic Defense Initiative