Jason A. Dechant
Deputy Director
Jason A. Dechant
Deputy Director
Jason Dechant is a Research Staff Member at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). He has served in that position since January 2000, leading analysis in the Strategy, Forces, and Resources Division. From 2001-2004, Dr. Dechant served as Special Assistant for Strategy in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) in the Department of Defense. While in USD(P), he developed policy guidance on force development and operational planning. At IDA, Dr. Dechant leads studies on topics ranging from defense resource management to risk assessment methodologies. Currently, he manages the organizational effectiveness research portfolio where he’s led assessments of the Strategic Capabilities Office, U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and the Joint Staff, among others. Dr. Dechant has also advised foreign partners (on behalf of the U.S. Government) on strategic planning and resource management and their organizational dimensions. He is an adjunct professor at the Schar School of Government and Public Policy at George Mason University where he teaches graduate courses in public policy theory and practice and international security policy. Dr. Dechant received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University, his master’s degree from the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky, and completed his Ph.D. at George Mason University’s School of Public Policy.
