Training the Next Generation of Arms Control Technical Specialists

Development and implementation of arms control agreements is a long-term process of building trust and effective methods of verifying commitments. Experts in areas such as seismic detection, radiation detection and missile technology, for example, have made significant contributions to the negotiation, monitoring, and verification of past arms control treaties. With many of today’s practitioners of arms control monitoring currently eligible for or nearing retirement, it is in the interest of international security that we ensure educational and hands-on opportunities to encourage technical university students and early career personnel to fill this upcoming void. Some efforts are underway to support universities to cultivate student interest in this field. This paper will briefly outline the contributions of past efforts, illustrate future challenges and propose ways that professional societies, such as the INMM, can contribute to student engagement in the United States and with international partners to mentor the next generation.