7th Annual Strategic Force
Analysis Boot Camp

• Learn the methods of nuclear force analysis
• Acquire technical tools to assess force structure, arms control, and modernization proposals
• Explore the implications of changing technology on strategic stability and deterrence
• Develop networks with other researchers working on nuclear-related questions
• Free for participants

The Davidson Institute at Dartmouth College and the Sandia Security Studies Institute (S3I) at Sandia National Laboratories are pleased to announce a call for applications for participation in the 7th annual Strategic Force Analysis Boot Camp, which will be hosted at Sandia in Albuquerque, New Mexico, from July 26 – 31, 2026.

The purpose of the Boot Camp is to teach participants some of the tools of nuclear force analysis so that they can better understand and participate in debates about strategic deterrence and stability. Participants will be exposed to traditional and new techniques for assessing the nuclear balance, understanding the impact of emerging technologies, and evaluating arms control proposals. The Boot Camp will also help create professional networks among the participants and faculty. The Boot Camp is not intended to promote specific answers to nuclear policy questions; rather, the goal is to help prepare the next generation of analysts to participate in critical academic and policy debates.

The Boot Camp is open to scholars and analysts of all ages, though preference will be given to those in the early stages of their careers. The Boot Camp is made possible through the generous support of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. All participant travel, meal, and conference fees will be covered.

Boot Camp sessions will be organized and taught by analysts from Dartmouth (Daryl Press), Georgetown (Keir Lieber), Sandia (Jason Reinhardt and Eric Wallace), and elsewhere; they will cover topics such as:

• nuclear forces, effects, and targeting
• missile defense and hypersonics
• open-source intelligence
• command and control/cyber operations/artificial intelligence
• and more

The Boot Camp will also include a multi-day scenario aimed at applying key concepts; an evening guest lecture by a prominent speaker; and a tour of the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History.