This promotion and granting of tenure is in recognition of James Russell's contributions to the Department of National Security Affairs, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Department of Defense.  These contributions are reflected in his research, teaching, thesis advising, and service.

His analysis of military innovation in warfare, including irregular war and counterinsurgency, is empirically rich, analytically forward, and informs important debates in the fields of international security and strategic studies. By rejecting top-down perspectives on innovation, and going beyond a singular focus on doctrinal manuals, his research highlights how bottom-up creative solutions to daily tactical problems are generative of major innovations in military strategy and doctrine. His book serves as an important corrective to the conventional wisdom on how military innovation occurs. Russell's long career in the Department of Defense; his scholarship, teaching, and thesis advising; his service to the NSA department and NPS; and his impressive ability to attract reimbursable research and education bring great value to this institution.