Opportunities with MORS

Communities of Practice (COP): Communities of Practice extend conversations from the annual Symposium and Special Meetings into year-round engagement. Meeting monthly in a virtual format, CoPs provide a flexible, low–time-commitment way to deepen subject-matter expertise, collaborate with peers, and stay connected to evolving analytical challenges across the defense community.

Heritage: The Heritage Committee preserves and shares the history of operations research through interviews, articles, and oral histories. Members contribute to documenting the experiences and insights of leaders whose work has shaped the analytical profession and the MORS community.

Meetings: MORS meetings bring together analysts, operators, and managers from government, industry, and academia. These gatherings foster professional exchange, encourage collaboration across disciplines, and provide a forum for discussing pressing national security research and decision-support challenges.

Publications: Members have opportunities to contribute to and engage with MORS publications, including Phalanx magazine, professional journals, and books. These outlets showcase research, lessons learned, and perspectives from across the national security analytics community.

Phalanx: Junior Analysts are invited to be featured in Phalanx through the Junior Analyst Spotlight, which highlights emerging professionals’ achievements, interests, and career aspirations. One Junior Analyst is featured in each issue. To express interest, contact kmiller@mors.org. Recent spotlights are available online.

Mentorship Program: The MORS Mentorship Program connects Junior Analysts with experienced professionals to support career development, knowledge sharing, and long-term growth. Through structured mentorship relationships, members gain insight into career pathways and the practical application of analytical skills.

Junior Analyst Ambassador Program: Participants in this program are assigned as a non-voting member to one or two of the 20 standing committees. You will gain experience in the Society’s business operations and initiatives to evolve its services. Committee assignments are made each June based on the desire of the individual. If you are interested in joining this program, please contact the JA Chair or Katherine Miller at kmiller@mors.org.

Events and Awards

Virtual Community Enrichment Series: This series offers Junior Analysts virtual sessions focused on building new skills and refining existing analytical capabilities. Discussions are recorded and available on demand through the Junior Analyst community page, providing flexible access to professional development.

Education and Professional Development Colloquium (EPD): The EPD Colloquium is a fully sponsored event, free to all attendees, designed for students and Junior Analysts. The program features panels and discussions where Junior Analysts share career experiences, creating meaningful opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Annual Symposium: The MORS Annual Symposium is the Society’s premier event, bringing together the national security analytics community to share research, explore emerging issues, and exchange ideas. Junior Analysts are encouraged to participate in dedicated networking opportunities, including the Junior Analyst Luncheon.

Junior/Senior Analyst Panel Events: Each year, the Symposium includes a special session where Junior and Senior Analysts exchange perspectives, lessons learned, and career insights. Junior Analysts interested in participating may contact kmiller@mors.org.

Tutorials: Professional development tutorials are offered at most MORS events throughout the year, including the Annual Symposium. Sessions range from lunchtime briefings to half-day and full-day formats, covering a broad range of analytical topics and tools.

Emerging Techniques Forum (ETF): The Emerging Techniques Forum is a specialized event focused on advancing defense analysis by highlighting innovative methods, tools, and leading-edge analytical approaches with real-world applications.

The Wayne P. Hughes Junior Analyst Award: This award recognizes exceptional work by a Junior Analyst and honors excellence early in an analyst’s career. Information on nominations and eligibility is available through the MORS website. Call for Nominations information available here.

The Eugene P. Visco Prize Competition: Junior Analysts are encouraged to submit their research to be considered for participation in the annual Visco Prize Competition which takes place at the Emerging Techniques Forum.