I am writing a motivational statement for a Naval Intelligence Officer opportunity. Would someone be willing to review it for me?

2016-06-23T23:08:13-04:00

Response by 2d Lt James Somers made Jun 23 at 2016 11:08 PM

2016-06-23T23:08:39-04:00

In 1999, I joined the Air Force, trained as a linguist and introduced into the Intelligence Community (IC), working shoulder to shoulder with Army, Navy, Marines, and civilian leadership. Demonstrating my skills in adaptability and accelerated learning I quickly became certified as an intelligence analyst in two different missions while serving as a linguist. This placed me amongst the elite few on site and in the IC that could alternate for manning purposes as mission requirements dictated. Shortly thereafter I was promoted to mission supervisor then to OPS NCO. Streamlining the certification process in multiple missions, I again was promoted to work directly alongside the unit commander, as the Training Manager. With this position I deployed to different regions developing exercise activities and contingency plans for expected target outcomes, working with multiple IC agencies.

Having reached the pinnacle of a career at Medina Regional Security Operations Center (MRSOC), later renamed to NSA/CSS-TEXAS, I pursued the path of a flight linguist as well as furthering my education. Through countless hours before and after work, I completed my Bachelor’s degree. Upon completing my Bachelor’s, I was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in the Army Reserves in 2009, I left MRSOC and moved my family to Virginia where I continued work in the IC, at the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) as a contractor. While working full-time at NGIC I continued my education; however, I resigned my commission in 2010. This difficult decision came with great cost, but I learned the importance of balance, and increased prioritization. Having completed two Master’s degrees while working full-time I know exactly what it means to prioritize time and tasks correctly.

As a contractor at NGIC, I saw a break in communication in the IC, this truly concerned me. As I discussed my findings with my superiors, they quickly indicated the best way for me to affect change was to be in the active field gathering intelligence again. This is where I know the knowledge and experience that I have will be of great value to the United States Navy. As an Intelligence Officer in the USN, I bring not only over 15 years of experience in the IC, but three distinct points of view providing a broader image of the IC picture. I am unwavering in my dedication to my country and am ready to say “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” – This ammunition, Intelligence.