David Trachtenberg, M.S.

DSS 601, DSS 707

Professional Experience

Missouri State University, Graduate Department of Defense and Strategic Studies Faculty, 2010-Present

  •  DSS 707, DSS 601:  Nuclear Strategy, Deterrence; and Arms Control; The Role of Congress in National Security Policy                  

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Policy), 2001-2003

  • Working with the Assistant Secretary of Defense, oversaw development of DoD policy on WMD proliferation and counterproliferation issues;
  • Assisted in development and oversight of WMD-related Cooperative Threat  Reduction (CTR) program initiatives within OSD Policy.

Acting  Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Forces Policy, 2001, 2003

  • Coordinated development of U.S. nuclear weapons policy and missile defense initiatives within DoD, including the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review;
  • Led interagency negotiating team in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss missile defense cooperation with the Russian Federation.

Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Armed Services, 1995-2001

  • As head of the policy staff, developed legislative initiatives on WMD proliferation and counterproliferation issues;
  • Key committee staffer responsible for export control policy and technology transfer issues  related to WMD proliferation;
  • Initiated an extensive range of legislative efforts regarding the Cooperative Threat Reduction program that became part of multiple annual National Defense Authorization Acts.

National Security Senior Analyst/Member, Technical Staff The Analytic Sciences Corporation (TASC), 1992-1995

  • Developed studies, analyses, and briefings on counterproliferation, ballistic missile defense, and other national security issues for the Air Force (AF/XOXI), Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA), Defense Airborne Reconnaissance Office (DARO), and Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO);
  • Established and managed the TASC Arms Control and Proliferation Analysis Center, focusing on policy issues related to arms control, proliferation, and ballistic missile defense.

Education: M.S., Foreign Service, Georgetown University, 1980; A.B., International Relations, University of Southern California, 1978.