Shane McNeil

Institute of World Politics, Doctor of Statecraft and National Security, Graduate Student

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Shane McNeil is a doctoral student at the Institute of World Politics (IWP), specializing in statesmanship and national security. As a policy advisor on the Joint Staff, Mr. McNeil brings a wealth of expertise to the forefront of national defense strategies. With over 22 years of defense experience, including more than 12 years in the U.S. Army and nearly 4 years of combat zone experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, he brings both innovation and experience to discussions on defense in the gray zone. In addition to his advisory role, Mr. McNeil is a prolific freelance writer, contributing insightful articles on data privacy, national security, and creative defense solutions. He also shares his knowledge as a guest lecturer at the University of Maryland, focusing on data privacy and secure communications. As the founding director of the Sentinel Research Society at IWP, Shane McNeil is developing a startup think tank that integrates innovative thinkers from academia, technology, and industry to tackle complex defense challenges.
Supervisors: Dr. John Tsagronis

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Mariusz Antoni Kamiński

Akademia Sztuki Wojennej / War Studies University

Karwan M U S T A F A Kareem

University of Sulaimani

Joseph M Hatfield

US Naval Academy

Carlos Pedro Gonçalves

ULHT - Universidade Lusofona de Humanidades e Tecnologias

American Military University

Irena Telesh

Nathaniel Moir

Harvard Kennedy School

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Papers by Shane McNeil

Strategic Enhancement of Counterintelligence American Intelligence Journal Volume 41 No

American Intelligence Journal, 2025

This paper examines the positioning of counterintelligence (CI) as a supported J3 fires function ... more This paper examines the positioning of counterintelligence (CI) as a supported J3 fires function rather than an organic J2 supporting intelligence function. According to the DoD, counterintelligence includes ‘All activities to protect against espionage, other intelligence activities, sabotage, or assassinations for or on behalf of foreign powers, organizations, or persons, but not including military or naval intelligence.’ Traditionally, CI is viewed as an intelligence discipline as it has been classified under J2, but primarily because its activities are more supportive in nature. It plays only secondary roles to other disciplines in the intelligence function. Nonetheless, because of the proactive nature of CI activities and given its dynamic pursuits, it may be better positioned under J3 as a fires function where it can have direct operational support in combat and strategic environments. This operational realignment allows CI to operate offensively and defensively in multiple domains, utilizing several different disciplines that include cyber operations, security, open-source intelligence (OSINT), special operations, and other foreign intelligence disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to outline the strategic benefits of this repositioning and to provide a case for how the integration of these diverse disciplines can successfully contribute towards CI goals as identified by the DoD. The potential of increased operational effectiveness and strategic advantage of aligning CI as a fires function will be examined. This paper will provide an analysis of the rationale for the shift by citing real-world case studies from the US Army and other military services.

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APA Amicus Briefs on Gays in the Military

In 1988 and 1989, the American Psychological Association (APA) submitted two nearly identical ami... more In 1988 and 1989, the American Psychological Association (APA) submitted two nearly identical amicus briefs in the cases of Watkins v. United States Army and BenShalom v. Marsh. Both cases dealt with whether the U.S. Army may constitutionally require the discharge or deny reenlistment to any service member who declares him/herself to have a homosexual orientation (American Psychological Association, 1988; American Psychological Association, 1989). Although the US Department of Defense policies against homosexuals serving in the military were not repealed until 2011 (Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, 2011), the APA never submitted another amicus brief on the topic. What reasoning could the APA have had for failing to address this contentious but highly researched issue during the intermediate years?

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APA Amicus Briefs on Gays in the Military

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Unbalanced Implementation of Cognitive Interviewing Across Law Enforcement

It has been approximately 36 years since the initial development of the cognitive interviewing te... more It has been approximately 36 years since the initial development of the cognitive interviewing technique for conducting witness interviews. In that time, federal law enforcement has adopted the technique and numerous studies have repeatedly shown the value of using cognitive interviewing to increase the quantity and value of witness recall. While cognitive interviewing, like any other scientifically devised technique, has limitations, each of these limitations can be mitigated limiting any negative impact that may reduce law enforcement's choice to implement it. Even after decades of research, demonstrated real-world value in federal investigations, and similar implementations in other nation's police forces, with few exceptions local US law enforcement still has not implemented cognitive interviewing. Would additional training and improved leadership bring local law enforcement into balance with the federal system?

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