Most importantly, I led the efforts to establish a mutually beneficial partnership between the NCO Journal and the US Army Sergeants Major Academy. As a Contributing Managing Editor for the NCO Journal, I collaborate with writers, and a team of volunteer editors, ensuring we meet the quality standards of the journal and the needs of our readership. Mentor and motivate writers by providing constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Adjunct Instructor and Curriculum Developer in Homeland Security at Mary Baldwin University. Designed and implemented courses in terrorism and intelligence studies. Actively engaged students, guiding them in collaborative learning experiences. Provided constructive feedback to enhance understanding and skills.Courses designed and taught:CJ270 – Introduction to Terrorism StudiesHLS 275 – Introduction to Intelligence Community

Provide undergraduate level instruction for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Workforce Development (LWD) and awarded by the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC). Instructor and curriculum developer for United States Army Sergeants Major Academy and Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence. Facilitate methodologies focused on preparation, planning, technical support, and event monitoring for Distance Learning, the Experiential Learning Model (ELM), and the Army Learning Concept (ALC), and After Action Reviews (AAR). Utilized Socratic discussions and decision-support processes crucial to planning. Led students in applying Army design methodology and the military decision-making process to develop critical thinking skills, systems thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. Recognized as the Instructor of the Term for 2nd Term, AY 2023-24.

As a student fellow in the master’s degree program for Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation at Syracuse University, my objective was to gain expertise in creating and evaluating instructional solutions for diverse learning challenges. The program uniquely integrated technical and software proficiency with essential transferable skills in theoretical understanding, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving, preparing me to develop learning solutions to performance gaps in educational and vocational settings.MS IDDE Portfolio: https://jriveraidde.wixsite.com/home#militaryinstructionaldesign #armyuniversity

864th Engineer Battalion

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Engineer Director. Published an article for the NCO Journal - Army University Press titled, “Iranian Influence in Latin America”.

Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Afghanistan Engineer District. Published an article for the NCO Journal - Army University Press titled, “Using an ethical framework for a more responsible online image”.

As an instructor, I focused on facilitating military instruction with an emphasis on nurturing critical thinking skills. Integrated strategic concepts into practical scenarios, employing adult learning strategies to ensure students derived meaning and relevance from their activities. During the first phase of the course, I led instruction on academic planning, covering Force Management, Command Leadership, and Military History within the context of Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) operations. Provided students with a comprehensive understanding of these subjects, equipping them for effective decision-making in diverse military environments.

Concepts Development TroopOperations Research and Analysis Troop Director of Operations.Collaborated with university-affiliated research centers and produced a Graphical Training Aid and video to raise awareness of an emerging Unmanned Aerial System threat.Participated in the US Army Strategic Broadening Seminar at the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies, Fort Leavenworth, KS.Published an article for the NCO Journal - Army University Press titled, “Achieving Leader Development through Strategic Broadening Seminars: The Red Team NCO Education Experience”.

56th Engineer Company (Vertical)

Senior Instructor at a military vocational-technical school.

94th Engineer Battalion (Heavy)Intelligence Analyst (2004-2006)Squad Leader (2002-2004)

US Army Recruiting Command, Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion