Skip to main content (Press Enter).
Toggle navigation
Center for the Study of
Weapons of Mass Destruction
National Defense University
WMD Center
Search
Search the WMD Center site:
Search
Search the WMD Center site:
Search
Home
About
Director's Message
Employment Opportunities
Faculty and Staff
What are WMD?
Events
Spotlight Seminar Series
Invitational Workshops
Annual Symposium
Publications
By Topic
Arms Control & Nonproliferation
Biological Issues
Chemical Issues
Consequence Management
Countering WMD
Defining WMD
Deterrence & Escalation
Emerging Technologies
Forensics & Attribution
Missile Defense
Nuclear Issues
WMD Elimination
WMD Interdiction
WMD Terrorism
By Region
East Asia
Europe & Russia
Middle East
South Asia
Publication Type
Articles & Op-Eds
Books & Book Chapters
Case Studies
Occasional Papers
Proceedings
Strategic Forums
Other Publications
Education
CWMD Graduate Fellowship
Program for Emerging Leaders
WMD Studies Concentration
Resources
Experts
Contact
Mr. Michael R. Helms
Michael R. (Randy) Helms, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), currently serves as the Dean of Administration and Chief of Staff, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the National Defense University. Mr. Helms was born in Paris, Texas and entered the Air Force in 1979 after receiving his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Helms served in multiple strategic airlift units, commanded at the squadron and group level, and served three pentagon tours.
As a staff officer, he was assigned to U.S. Transportation Command, OSD, Joint Staff, and Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He was an exchange officer to India and his last military assignment was at the National Defense University where he served as Deputy Director, CAPSTONE, Chief of Staff and Dean of Students, ICAF and finally as Chief of Staff, National Defense University. He retired from the Air Force in the rank of Colonel in September of 2008, with over 29 years of active duty. A former command pilot, he has flown more than 5,000 hours in the T-39, C-141, TG-7A, C-21, and C-5 aircraft.