Military Analyst

Current Dari (Afghan Farsi) language student. Graduate Student from June 2015 to June 2016. Earned a Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Security Studies (International Relations) from National Defense University. Researched problems in the fields of international relations, security studies, and policy development, the functions of international organizations and the U.S. government, its agencies, security goals, policies, procedures, foreign policy objectives and national security strategies; particularly those relating to South and Central Asia. Developing background information for studies, researched official documents, compiled and charted statistical data, used data from personal interactions with citizens from the Central Asian Republics, Russia, the Ukraine, and Afghanistan, employees, and supervisors to analyze and consolidate accurate information into correspondence, reports, and a Thesis that identified interest, threats, and challenges confronting the governments of Central Asia, the Caucasus, South Asia, and the regional impact of China, Iran, and Russia. Analyzed contemporary transnational security challenges for the U.S., its allies and partners, including ethnic conflict, terrorism, insurgencies, weapons proliferation, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking, and the elements of national power and strategies available to U.S. policymakers, application to other countries to counter ideological terrorism support, and evaluation of the major challenges to democracy, including authoritarian rule, state breakdown, economic dislocation, and war.Skills: Operational and strategic planning. Extensive experience analyzing classified and unclassified data sources, creating tables and reports, preparing written documents and presentations in support of senior commanders and staff decision makers; and information management, Share-Point site construction, utilization, information management, and collaboration via Skype and Zoom.

As an Advisor and Strategy Development Team Leader, Headquarters International Security Assistance Forces (HQ ISAF), Strategy, Plans, and Policies (SPP), assisted the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI) with National Police Strategy (NPS) & National Police Plan (NPP) development based on the Afghan Strategic Planning Directive, National Threat Assessment, National Security Strategy, Police Law, and other strategic documents. Developed a MoI Strategic Planning Guide & graph tools in support of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process that provided the direction and mechanisms needed to support requirements based programming and budgeting processes critical for lasting sustainability. Facilitated the effective collaboration between ISAF essential functions, subject matter experts, and other agencies in support of NPS & NPP development: legal, gender, assessments, programming and budgeting, the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan, Strategic Support for the Ministry of Interior, Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan, and the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Agency. Provided critical inputs for a HQ ISAF SPP external movement Standard Operations Procedure in support of security, communications, command & control, signaling, and first aid to mitigate advisor risk during daily movements through Kabul. Conducted over 200 daily tactical combat movements through Kabul City as a Driver, Vehicle Commander, and Convoy Commander.

Advise and assist the government of Afghanistan with governance, security, and infrastructure development. Oversee southern electrical power system (SEPS) initiatives. Synchronize the Regional Command – South staff, Commander Kandahar Airfield, and ISAF Joint Command with United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the government of Afghanistan. Communicated directly with local Afghan leaders to align government of Afghanistan, UNAMA, and U.S. Department of State, Afghan and ISAF Security Force initiatives to maintain and increase sustainable power, protect the infrastructure, stimulate agriculture development, promote education and women's rights, expand governance, and increase economic growth capacity across southern Afghanistan. Critically evaluated SEPS infrastructure, anticipated shortfalls, and developed courses of action to sustain power and security in Kandahar City, Afghanistan's second largest city, by facilitating the delivery of $100 million of U.S. subsidized fuel and $1.6 million of consumables to sustain three power plants and the hydro-electric relay that supported 1 million citizens and industry in a period of high demand during the summer of 2014. Briefed the Kandahar Governor on a $31 million USAID project to refurbish power lines and electrical substations in major cities across southern Afghanistan and recommended the transfer of $210 million allocated for the construction of a 10 megawatt power station at Dahla Dam in support of Power Transmission Expansion and Connectivity (PTEC) initiatives to power line construction from Kabul that would provide a dedicated supply of 300 megawatts of power to Kandahar City from a 3,000 megawatt Dam in Central Asia that would increase long term economic output, stability, and security.

As a Marine Air Ground Task Force, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Command & Control (C2), and Information Management (IM) training Program Manager and Subject Matter Expert supported Marine Corps’ School of Advanced War-fighting, and Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) air, ground, and logistic Headquarter Staffs’ that manage the training for up to 60,000 Marines, and their equipment, logistics, training, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in accordance with doctrine and the Marine Corps Planning Process. In support of a MEF Readiness Pre-Deployment Exercise coordinated with Regional Command Southwest, Helmand Province, Afghanistan for the most current International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) daily operational synchronization “Battle Rhythm”, Information Management, reporting requirements and procedures associated with the USAF Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) aviation planning, integration, Air Tasking Order (ATO) development, submission timelines, Marine airspace command and control, and Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel requirements. Assessed training requirements and generated an ACE Master Scenario Events List (MSEL), developed training briefs for Senior Operational Watch Officers, guided the ACE through the ATO planning, development, and CAOC submission process, execution, and utilization of Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) that improved exercise efficiency. Assessed and identified IM shortfalls, developed reports matrixes and a Letter of Instruction for an IM Operations Center Workshop, a Staff Exercise, and an Information Flow Exercise. Assisted the MEF with ISAF battle rhythm and reporting requirements, internal battle rhythm development, integration, and synchronization. Constructed a Share-Point training site and instructed Headquarters Marine Forces Central Command during an Information Management Workshop and Command Post Exercise in accordance with current IM/Knowledge Management TTPs, U.S. Naval Base, Bahrain.

As an Aviation Program Manager was responsible for the acquisition of training aids through participation in the development of the Marine Corps Enterprise Integration Plan, Capabilities Based Assessments, and the Naval Program Objective Memorandum (POM) process to build warfighting capabilities, review of Aviation Schoolhouse, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Battle Staff, and Aviation Command & Control (C2) training and readiness, Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures to ensure that programs and equipment in support of training and readiness were consistent, current, relevant and adhered to established organizational standards. Represented C2TECOE during aviation capabilities development and integration meetings, conferences, seminars, USMC Warfighting Labs, ACE C2 experiments, and large exercises. Provided Operational Assessment Group (OAG) inputs in support of the Naval POM process in line with Program Executive Officer Land Systems and Marine Aviation Command & Control (MACCS) training requirements including, Tactical Air Command Center Command & Control Training Enhancement (TACC C2TE) Simulator and Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) inputs. Attended a Marine Corps Systems Command Ground/Air Task Oriented RADAR (G/ATOR) training/integration MACCS Supportability Review, identified, and collaborated future training requirements. Conducted a Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, Facilities & Policy (DOTMLPF-P) solutions based analysis, generated a Statement of Work, and collaborated with Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC) in support of the Marine Deputy Commandant for Aviation TACC C2TE baseline training device requirements development, software compatibility with Marine Common Aviation Command & Control Systems (CAC2S), Joint TBMCS, Mode V Identification of Friendly/Foe (IFF), and emerging systems.

Developed a plan of action that effectively shaped the battalions’ pre-deployment training in less than 90 days and qualified the unit on 5 mission essential tasks: tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, base defense operations, quick reaction force, mounted combat patrols, and entry control point operations. Developed a battalion standard operations procedure and combat operations order in support of OEF-A 10.1 that facilitated the seamless integration of operations between U.S., Afghan, Danish, Bahrain, and British forces. Effectively coordinated with I MEF staff, a Danish Operational Maneuver Liaison Team, an Afghan Quick Reaction Force, and battalion organic forces: a Headquarters Company, two U.S. maneuver companies, a British maneuver company, a Bahrain Special Security Force company, and the Regional Command-South West Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Force. In support of the Battalions’ scheme of maneuver, sustained flexible offensive and defensive counterinsurgency operations in its area of operations. Improved procedures for the clearance of all fires, air space, and ground space in support of combined deterrence, disruption, and denial operations against enemy forces in the Battalions’ battle-space that improved standoff and created a defense in depth belt around the Camp Bastion/Leatherneck that denied enemy forces freedom of maneuver. Developed and executed multiple pre-planned operations, integration of the Afghan National Army 215th Corps and the Joint Service Academy Shorabak Afghan National Army and Police recruits into active patrolling and main entry point operations, the employment of female engagement teams, coordination with 3d Marine Aircraft Wing to improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance coverage, convoy routes for all units transiting through the battle-space, explosive detection dogs, key leader engagements, and Civil-Military operations in support of 3 villages within the Battalions’ area of operation.

Directed training, administration, maintenance, equipment, and logistics in support of training and readiness program goals. Provided leadership, focus, and vision that prepared the organization for rapid, highly mobile, man-portable, surface-to-air weapons and security of air bases and air sites in support of Marine Expeditionary Forces. Prepared 80-120+ Marines and $50 million of equipment: 55 vehicles, 82 radios, RADAR systems, weapons, and logistics in support of rapid response in support of global contingencies. Established a training cycle, developed training operations orders and pre-exercise briefs that provided Marines the ability to complete all Headquarters' Marine Corps air defense and infantry training program readiness goals. Improved unit readiness by training the organization in accordance with infantry small arms and infantry machine gunner standards, deploying the unit in support of a stinger missile live fire exercise and four separate ground based air defense and stability and support operations field exercises in preparation for a deployment in support Weapons and Tactics Instruction training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. Deployed the unit to the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, CA., and trained Marines to air defense and infantry standards in cold weather and mountain environments. Developed a realistic operations order based on an Afghanistan-Pakistan border scenario that disseminated critical information to subordinate units in support of foot mobile, ski, snow shoe, and conditioning hikes that supported rapid foot mobility, the establishment and sustainment of High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) secure tactical communications and primary and secondary unit Command Center, defensive fortifications, patrol routes, machine gun emplacements, range cards that improved unit air defense and security operational readiness.

As the Joint Task Force (JTF) 519 and the U.S. Pacific Commander’s Information Operations (IO) and Ground Future Plans Officer was responsible for the planning, coordinating, monitoring, executing, and effects assessment of information operations core capabilities of electronic warfare, psychological operations, operational security, computer network operations, and military deception into concepts of operations, operational plans, and synchronized IO in support of rapidly deployable information operational teams to augment seven USPACOM Joint Task Force Warfighting staffs. As a USPACOM, SJFHQ, IO subject matter expert, integrated information operations and educated Joint Task Force, Component Command, and foreign staffs on planning, coordination, and execution of information operations plans. As an augment to JTF staffs developed information operations planning, tactics, techniques, and procedures for JTF 519 in support of Exercise Valiant Shield 2007, coordinated Homeland Defense/Disaster Relief efforts in support of JTF – Homeland Defense, Exercise Top Officials, Guam; participated in the operational planning team that developed a new JTF-519 operational plan; developed and executed information operations planning instruction for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in support of a subject matter expert exchange, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines; supported Civil Military Operations during Exercise Balikatan 2008, and OEF – Philippines by tracking and maintaining the flow of critical APF and U.S. force information; coordinated information operations into future operations planning during Exercise Terminal Fury 2008; and served as a joint and multi-national ground watch officer to facilitate plan development, collaboration, timely information, coordination, and execution between U.S. Army, U.S. Marine, and Australian ground forces in support of the U.S. Seventh Fleet while embarked on the USS Blue Ridge during Exercise Talisman Saber, Australia, 2007.

Oversee the daily operations of the Honolulu MEPS. As the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Commands’ primary liaison between the Compact Free States and the U.S. Department of State diplomatically foster good working relationships with key government officials from the Compact Free States, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa to coordinate the successful testing, medical screenings, administrative processing, and accession of applicants from these locations into all branches of the United States Armed Forces. As the Transportation and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for applicant Government Travel Service (GTS) was accountable for over $630,000 in quarterly funding used for applicant lodging, feeding, and shipping of new recruits to all services’ recruit training centers and the coordination of food, lodging, and transportation contract bidding, billing, and reconciliation to facilitate efficient logistical transport of medical and administrative supplies via commercial airlines, applicant lodging, feeding, and transportation in support of remote processing locations, in the Compact Free States and American Samoa. As the unit Defense Travel System and the Government Travel Charge Card Program Coordinator managed all travel orders and vouchers, funding, commercial travel itineraries, and lodging for the MEPS civilian and military staff in support of remote testing and processing teams. Led five successful processing team deployments to American Samoa, one to Palau, and one to Pompeii Micronesia. and supervised a civilian and joint military staff that successfully provided physical, mental, and moral screenings to administer ASVAB and special tests to over 30,000 potential Armed Forces applicants in Hawaii, the Pacific Rim, Korea and Japan and process over 3,000 Armed Forces applicants into the United States Army, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

As the organizations’ Executive Officer and Combat Service Support Program Manager established and supervised administrative and support planning requirements: logistic, training, communications, and the maintenance of all vehicles, weapons, and communications assets for 150 Marines. Enforced all policies, orders, and procedures associated with weapons conditions and rules of engagement, maintained situational awareness of the organizations operations, and coordinated with lateral and higher support agencies to request aviation, maintenance, and logistical support to maintain and improve the superb internal and external protection of Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar Province Iraq, its 6,000 residents, and the external escort of service contractors and other military forces along the Euphrates River corridor in the vicinity of Baghdadi, Iraq. As the unit primary Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) Officer assessed enemy tactics and developed training, maintenance, and logistics programs to successfully counter attempted pedestrian or vehicle installation breaches. Developed a defense plan that included vertical and horizontal construction of 5 perimeter towers, sandbag reinforced positions, and trenches that improved explosive attack standoff at base entry points and improved procedures for vehicle searches and foreign national entry onto the installation. Developed a training plan that improved organizational ATFP, physical fitness, weapons, communications, and medical evacuation readiness and proficiency. Trained Marines, employed new procedures, and conducted physical and technical vehicle and personnel searches with canines, X-Ray Machines, explosive detection gear, video camera surveillance, and electronic undercarriage scanners. Employed electronic jammers, and designed and emplaced a 30ft. steel tower that provided 7km surveillance of all high speed avenues of approach from the installation to the town of Baghdadi on the Euphrates River.

As the unit Training Officer / Program Manager identified administered, tracked, and supervised training for over 300 Marines, identified shortfalls and corrected training deficiencies to achieve a 99% training and combat readiness level for the Squadron. Created and submitted training plans to the unit Commander for review and approval, generated training schedules, and enforce Marine Corps Orders on physical fitness, body composition, and annual tactical and administrative training to ensure completion and unit readiness. As the Training Safety Officer (TSO) generated or reviewed Operational Risk Assessments prior to each training event when required. Specifically, ensured that all personnel were briefed on risk factors, safety mechanisms, medical evacuation procedures, emergency communications, and cease fire or mission abort criteria prior to events that involved vehicular movement, exposure to high voltage electrical gear, field exercises near Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) launch and recovery systems, fire hazards, potential dangerous wildlife, and live fire weapons ranges. As a certified Marine Tactical Air Command Center (TACC) Air Defense Coordinator (ADC) was responsible to the Commanding General for Second Marine Air Wing (2MAW) for the management, tracking, and coordination of aerial refueling management (Tankers), Combat Air Patrols (Interceptors) within Marine Corps Airspace and all regional surface to air missiles (SAM’s) including Patriot, Hawk, and man-portable stinger missile systems. As an ADC managed live aircraft during multiple training exercises in support of Weapons and Tactic Instruction Exercise, Yuma, Arizona, Sep - Oct 2003 and Combined Arms Exercise Twenty-Nine Palms, California as the TACC Officer in Charge coordinated, managed, and de-conflicted Marine, Army and Air Force aviation assets in support of (2MAW) live fire air to ground close air support training exercises, Jan – Feb 2004.

Supervised 55+ personnel, all service support requirements and a permanent or semi-permanent Combat Operations Center (COC) including the management, collection and processing of information and the receipt and forwarding of tactical and administrative reports in support of 8 tactical displacements over 500 miles, RADAR and tactical gear maintenance, and communication with higher and adjacent units. Maintained communications with the Tactical Air Operations Center, the Direct Air Support Center and provided subordinate elements with air defense information for the sustainment of Task Force Tarawa’s Short Range Air Defense umbrella and ground security during operations in Jalibah, An Nasiriyah, and Al Diwaniyah, Iraq. As a Provisional Rifle Company Executive Officer integrated combat replacements, supervised the emplacement of medium and heavy machine guns, static defense, and active patrolling in support of the Government Support Compound Al Kut, Iraq that provided the Task Force Tarawa Civil Affairs Group with a secure working environment. During retrograde as the Officer in Charge provided short range air defense for the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the Naval Amphibious Task Force from the U.S.S. Gunston Hall, LSD-44 as the Naval Task Force transited through the Straights of Hormuz, Bab-el- Mandeb, Gibraltar and the Suez Canal.

Responsible for Platoon leadership, training, welfare, accountability and administration. Developed a monthly and long range platoon training plan, ensured the combat readiness of all platoon equipment and prepared the platoon in accordance with Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation and Training and Readiness standards. As the 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion Air Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Platoon Commander ensured that a Section of Marines, vehicles, RADAR systems and $21 million of associated gear were operationally ready and prepared to support global contingencies within 4 hours of notification. Deployed 40 Marines to Exercise Rolling Thunder, Fort Bragg, NC, Battalion stinger missile firing exercises, Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, CA in support of Battle Griffin pre-deployment cold weather training, to Twenty-Nine Palms, CA in support of MAGTF-2 Combined Arms Exercises (CAX), and Atlantic Field to conduct platoon air defense and communications training. As an Air Defense Liaison Officer supported Norway’s 6th Division, Air Defense Battalion during NATO cold weather exercise Battle Griffin, Norway, a Supporting Arms Exercise, Camp Lejeune, NC, and 4 CAXs as a Platoon Commander and Tactical Exercise Evaluation and Control Group support representative to the Tactical Air Command Center.

Supervise and coordinate the preparation of personnel, gear, and maintenance of all assigned equipment in support of organization and independent operations. Coordinate, assist, and task organize port operations, landing zone control, forward operating and helicopter support teams to provide flexible, timely, and responsive logistical support for a Marine Expeditionary Force of 60,000 Marines. Simultaneously served as the Shore Party supervisor in support of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (22d MEU) on load and offload of the 24th MEU: more than 4,000 Marines, light armored, amphibious assault and support vehicles, artillery pieces, tanks, and other equipment to and from six different naval amphibious assault ships across Onslow Beach, North Carolina. As a Platoon Sergeant supervised all personnel, and pier operations for more than 150 pieces of construction and utility equipment vessel on-load, coordinated landing zone, medical evacuation, and resupply operations in support of 3 bridge construction sites, air delivery of 217,000 lbs. of humanitarian aid, and the offload of over 800,000 lbs. of supplies at Soto-Cano Air Base, during Operation Strong Support, Honduras. Utilized electronic systems to track 200 vehicles and containers from Maritime Prepositioning Shipping in support of Estonian Forces during Exercise Baltic Challenge, Paldiski, Estonia. In support of Operations Assured and Quick Response, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Central African Republic as the Special Marine Air Ground Task Force, Combat Cargo Platoon supervisor planned and organized daily embarkation tasks from the U.S.S. Ponce LPD-15. Specifically, the airlift of over 150 short tons of cargo, over 2,500 personnel, the non-combat evacuation of U.S. citizens, and landing zone control during multiple 72-hour air resupply from Freetown, Sierra Leone to the U.S.S. Ponce, and logistical sustainment of Marine Security Forces and combat forces in the U.S. Embassy, Monrovia, Liberia.