Richard F. Deckro

Dr. Richard F. Deckro is a Distinguished Professor of Operations Research and Director of the Future Operations Investigation Laboratory (FOIL) at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. As a Fellow of the Military Operations Research Society and current Chair of the NATO Science and Technology Organization's System Analysis and Studies (SAS) Panel, Dr. Deckro has established himself as a leading expert in military applications of operations research.

Dr. Deckro earned his Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) in Decision Sciences from Kent State University in 1976, following an M.B.A. in Decision Sciences (1973) and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from SUNY at Buffalo (1972).

His research spans multiple domains within operations research, with particular emphasis on social network analysis, game theory applications to military operations, and network science. Dr. Deckro's work has significantly advanced methodologies for analyzing complex networks, particularly in military and security contexts. His research has evolved from traditional project management and decision analysis to cutting-edge applications in social network analysis, network interdiction, and military operations modeling.

Dr. Deckro's publications demonstrate consistent contributions across several decades, with recent work focusing on advanced network characterization techniques, behavioral game theory applications, and sophisticated modeling of adversarial interactions. His research has increasingly incorporated complex network theory, social network analysis, and game-theoretic approaches to address contemporary military challenges.

• 2017 J. Steinhardt Prize, INFORMS Military Applications Society
• 2016 1st Editor Emeritus, Military Operations Research
• 2015 Distinguished Professor, Air Force Institute of Technology
• 2009 Elected Fellow in the Military Operations Research Society
• 2009 Clayton J. Thomas Award, Military Operations Research Society
• 2009 Air Force Analyst Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2008 Koopman Prize (with colleagues)
• 2008, 2001 General Bernard A. Shriver Award
• 1972 Senior Industrial Engineer of the Year, SUNY at Buffalo

As Director of the Future Operations Investigation Laboratory (FOIL), Dr. Deckro leads research initiatives that bridge theoretical operations research with practical military applications. His work has influenced how military planners approach network analysis, decision making under uncertainty, and strategic operations planning. Through his leadership roles in professional societies and editorial positions, he has shaped the direction of military operations research as a discipline.