Dr. Richard Tilley serves as the Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict. In this role, he exercises authority, direction, and control of all special operations peculiar issues relating to the organization, training, and equipping of special operations forces, supervises all special operations and low- intensity conflict related activities of the Department of War, and serves as the principal civilian adviser to the Secretary of War on special operations, irregular warfare, and low-intensity conflict matters.

Previously, Dr. Tilley served as the Director of the Asymmetric Competition & Engagement Division and the Office of Irregular Warfare & Competition within the Joint Force Development Directorate (J-7) of the Joint Staff. Dr. Tilley also served as a special advisor and strategist in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and as a national security advisor in the U.S. House of Representatives

Dr. Tilley’s military experience includes service within the special operations and airborne infantry communities across multiple overseas and combat deployments. Dr. Tilley was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group as a Green Beret and served as an infantry officer within the 82nd Airborne Division.

Dr. Tilley earned his doctoral degree in international affairs from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies where his research focused on optimizing American military performance in irregular war. He holds a master’s degree in international relations from St. Mary’s University and a bachelor’s degree in history from Wake Forest University. Dr. Tilley is also an adjunct professor at the National Defense University.