Ben FitzGerald
Ben FitzGerald is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Technology and National Security Program at CNAS, where he leads CNAS efforts to explore the national security implications associated with the rapid pace of technological change by exploring the nexus of strategy, technology and business.
Ben's recent CNAS publications include: Creative Disruption: Technology, Strategy and the Future of the Global Defense Industry; Digital Theaters: Decentralizing Cyber Command and Control; Process Over Platforms: A Paradigm Shift in Acquisition Through Advanced Manufacturing and Game Changers: Disruptive Technology and U.S. Defense Strategy.
Ben has wide experience across a range of strategic matters having led and contributed to projects on topics as diverse as interagency conflict prevention, UN peacekeeping doctrine, transitional law enforcement, the future of urban-littoral combat and the future role of the United States Marine Corps. A natural facilitator, he has designed and led a variety of wargames for military and civilian audiences ranging from action officers to four star generals.
Technology has played an ongoing role throughout Ben FitzGerald’s career. His early experience was gained working in technology companies Unisys, Rational Software and IBM. In these roles he assisted a range of government clients, including defense and signals intelligence agencies, align their technology strategy, methods and infrastructure with organizational goals. Ben has also supported OSD AT&L experimentation on integrated tactical technology for urban combat, explored NIH and DoD collaboration on human performance enhancement and led NeXTech, an investigation of game changing technology.
Ben moved from his native Australia and established, then led as Managing Director and board member, the North American business of Noetic, a privately owned national security strategy firm. He grew the business from an initial start-up to a highly regarded organization with clients including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, Joint Forces Command and the United Nations, among others. Ben’s work was recognized with Australian Capital Territory Export Awards in 2007, 2008 and 2011.
Ben’s commentary and other publications have appeared in Foreign Policy, Mashable, Reuters, Small Wars Journal, the U.S. Army SSI PKSOI papers and Vice. He has undertaken field research in Australia, Afghanistan, Colombia, Sudan and most dangerously, Twentynine Palms, CA.