Lt. Col. Charles C. Bursi is a Research Fellow with the International Security Program and a National Defense Fellow. His fellowship research project concerns re-thinking U.S. Defense Readiness to enable a two-theater war construct via a high/low mix option.

He was commissioned in 2004 from the United States Air Force Academy. His fighter flying assignments include duties as a Flight Commander, Mission Commander, Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner, Director of Operations, and Commander. Lt. Col. Bursi has flown in Operations NOBLE EAGLE, SKY MARSHALL, NOBLE ENDEAVOR, ENDURING FREEDOM, and PACIFIC IRON. He completed staff assignments in the Directorate of Plans and Programs as the Branch Chief for Strategy and Campaign Plans, and the Branch Chief for Greater Indo-Pacific Plans, both in Pacific Air Forces. Prior to his fellowship appointment, Bursi was Commander of the 19th Fighter Squadron, 15 Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii.