Areas of Expertise: Military Innovation; Future Strategic Concepts; Joint Capability Development
Colonel Rafael Lopez is a Senior Military Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Washington, D.C. His areas of interest are military innovation, future strategic concepts, joint capability development and development of future Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2). He is a Goodpaster Scholar within the U.S. Army Advanced Strategic Plans and Policy Program (ASP3). Prior to joining INSS, he served within the U.S. Army Futures Command, both in its Headquarters and within one of its subordinate organizations, the Futures and Concepts Center. Colonel Lopez has 27 years of experience serving in various command and staff positions in both institutional and operational commands. He participated in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of 3d Infantry Division and the Asymmetric Warfare Group. He has also supported a variety of security cooperation efforts in countries around the world.
Colonel Lopez earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Florida, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He graduated from the Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies, earning a Master of Military Arts and Sciences. He also earned a Doctorate in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.