Veteran & Educator
Kevin W. Johnston is an academic historian and strategic decision-facilitator dedicated to bridging the divide between rigorous scholarship and practical leadership. An Army veteran and PhD candidate, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his educational roles, leveraging a career rooted in disciplined analysis and tactical problem-solving for organizations like Booz Allen Hamilton and USA Fight Club. He has taught for the US Army Reserves, Fight Club USA, and the Women's Wargaming Network.
His current research explores the intersection of military history and pedagogy, specifically evaluating the efficacy of experiential learning through Decision-Forcing Cases. Through his work, Kevin challenges both university students and professional leaders to think critically under pressure, forging a deeper understanding of strategic decision-making in complex environments.
“Strategic leadership is not a set of instructions to be memorized, but a discipline of judgment to be forged through the rigorous application of Decision-Forcing Cases in a collaborative environment.”
Decision-Forcing Cases
The Concept
Pedagogical Benefits
Leadership Outcomes
Decision-forcing cases (DFCs) are historical narratives that place the student in the shoes of a protagonist facing a critical dilemma. They shift focus from retrospective analysis to active engagement, asking: 'What would you do?'
This methodology transcends traditional lectures by requiring active intellectual participation. Students develop cognitive empathy and the ability to navigate complex variables under pressure, fostering genuine professional judgment.
The ultimate goal is the cultivation of strategic intuition. Participants emerge with sharpened critical thinking, improved decision-making speed, and the strategic flexibility required for high-stakes leadership environments.
Experience & Roles
2005 — 2012
United States Army
Veteran combat leadership and strategic planning specialist. Managed large-scale operations and mentored personnel in tactical environments.
2013 — 2018
USA Fight Club & Booz Allen Hamilton
Lead wargaming planner and advisor. Specialized in developing decision-centric simulations for high-stakes defense and security clients.
2019 — Present
PhD Candidate & Academic Instructor
Conducting advanced research on military history and strategic decision-making. Facilitating Case-Directed Instruction for professional leadership development.
PUBLICATIONS
Academic Sessions & Strategy Facilitation
Inquire for University Programs
Request a tailored decision-forcing case facilitation or guest lecture for your department or leadership seminar.
SPRING 2026
Leadership Development through Decision-Forcing Cases
FEBRUARY 2026
Operational History: Tactical Analysis of 19th Century Warfare
APRIL 2026
Strategic Decision Educator Workshop: Case Method Pedagogy
JUNE 2026
Decision-Forcing Facilitation for Federal Leadership Programs
Academic Perspectives
Kevin Johnston's writing style communicates complex geopolitical concepts, from supply chain vulnerabilities to energy coercion, into clear, persuasive prose. He masterfully bridges the gap between theory and application. Kevin's research is rigorous, displaying a unique ability to synthesize current events and foundational international relation theories. Kevin's work is well structured and demonstrates the maturity of this author who prioritizes both clarity and value.
Jordan Peters, Phd
As a participant in several of Kevin's Decision Forcing Cases, I am proud to highlight Kevin's superb teaching abilities. His unique classes do a fantastic job of involving all participants and putting people in the role of historical figures to present a case in a way that makes students think through why actors behaved the way they did. For anyone looking to learn about historical events, there are few people better suited to teach than Kevin.
Matthew Boyle
Kevin is one of the most knowledgeable professionals, and Officers, I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has an unrivaled passion for military history and an insight into policy that rarely manifests with any sort of social tact, yet he has both. He is also courteous, hardworking, and determined - all traits that made him highly sought after for group projects. As our class leader, he excelled at bringing order and direction to our lessons. He was a constant reminder that diligence, genuine interest, and perseverance are distinctive traits that can really set someone apart from their peers. He was a mentor to many of us at the MICCC, and it would be a pleasure to collaborate with him on future projects.
Kassandra LeClair