The Scholar’s Journey
Academic Foundations & Philosophical Inquiry
Kevin W. Johnston’s academic pursuit is defined by a deep commitment to historical accuracy and pedagogical innovation. As a PhD candidate, his research delves into the complexities of strategic transitions and the evolution of military thought. His work is not merely a study of the past but a search for actionable wisdom that informs contemporary leadership and decision-making frameworks within university settings and professional development programs.
A Legacy of Strategic Service
An Army Veteran with a storied career in strategic planning, Kevin has spent years navigating high-stakes environments. His tenure and involvement in wargaming planning underscored the vital importance of the 'Decision-Forcing Case' method. By merging his military experience with academic rigor, he creates a unique learning environment where history is a living laboratory for testing leadership under pressure and refining critical thinking outcomes.
Bridging Theory and Practice
Today, Kevin’s mission is to empower the next generation of historians and educators. Through meticulously facilitated sessions and scholarly mentorship, he challenges students to move beyond passive learning. His facilitator-led approach forces participants to inhabit historical dilemmas, making decisions that carry the weight of real-world consequences, thereby preparing them for the strategic complexities of the modern academic and professional landscape.
Skills & Expertise
Pedagogy & Methodology
Decision-Forcing Cases
Active Learning Pedagogy
Socratic Method
Curriculum Design
Experiential Facilitation
Strategic Leadership
Operational Planning
Wargaming Facilitation
Leadership Mentorship
Decision Facilitation
Complex Decision Analysis
Academic Research
Military Historiography
Archival Research
Strategic Analysis
Cold War Studies
Thematic Synthesis
Advisory & Engagement
Academic Mentorship
Veteran Advocacy
Public Speaking
Manuscript Synthesis
Stakeholder Outreach
Education Journey
Old Dominion University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), International Relations and Affairs
June 2025 – June 2031
Concentrations in Conflict and Cooperation and Political Economics. Coursework includes Chinese Foreign Policy (A), Political Economy of Development (A), and Game Theory (A-). Research focus centers on strategic decision-making, conflict modeling, and applied historical analysis.
FA 57 – Simulation Operations Functional Area (U.S. Army)
Wargaming & Simulation Operations Certification
January 2023 – March 2023
FA 57 Officers specialize in designing realistic simulation environments to support leader development, training, experimentation, and modernization. This certification reflects advanced expertise in wargaming, modeling, and strategic simulation environments.
Military Intelligence Captain Career Course
Military Intelligence Officer Certification (Captain Level)
July 2020 – August 2020
Completed advanced studies required for certification as a Military Intelligence officer at the rank of Captain, emphasizing intelligence operations, leadership, and operational planning.
Rennert Academy
Teaching Certification – TESOL (160 Hours)
2017
Completed an intensive Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification program. Training included communicative methodology, structured lesson planning, classroom observation, and assessed teaching of adult ESOL learners.
St. Mary’s University
Master’s Degree, International Relations – Security Studies
2013 – 2015
Completed graduate studies while serving full-time as an active-duty Army officer. Coursework emphasized security studies, international affairs, and strategic analysis.
United States Army Logistics University
Diploma, Transportation Basic Officer Leader Course
2011
Training focused on leadership of transportation units in both garrison and combat environments, including field exercises and deployment preparation.
Dickinson College
Bachelor of Arts, History
2007 – 2011
Active in Army ROTC, Ranger Challenge, and Color Guard. Academic foundation in historical analysis, strategic studies, and leadership development.
Licenses & Certifications
CISA Culture Cohort
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Issued July 2022
Selected participant in a cohort program focused on organizational culture, resilience, and infrastructure security leadership within national security environments.
Certificate of Graduation – Leadership Institute
Issued April 2020
Advanced leadership development training emphasizing communication, strategic thinking, and executive-level speechwriting.
Military Intelligence Captain Career Course
Issued July–August 2020
Completed professional military education required for certification as a U.S. Army Military Intelligence Captain, focusing on operational planning, intelligence integration, and command leadership.
FA 57 – Simulation Operations Functional Area
Issued January–March 2023
Certified in military wargaming and simulation operations, specializing in designing immersive environments for leader development, training, experimentation, and decision support.
JPO Professional Writing Course
Defense Acquisition University
Issued April 2015
Professional writing certification focused on clarity, structured argumentation, and analytical communication within defense and strategic environments.
Environmental Compliance Officer Course
Issued September 2013
Certification in regulatory compliance, environmental policy implementation, and operational accountability within military organizations.
Unit Movement Officer Training
Issued August 2011
Training in logistical coordination and deployment planning for military transportation operations.
Chief of Transportation Certificate of Investiture
Issued November 2011
Recognition of qualification and commissioning within the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.