As part of my studies in terrorism and homeland security which were a requirement of my military service, I have come to understand the need for strong intelligence, culturally-astute law enforcement, and effective security protocols when dealing with threats from within as well as from without.
Homeland security remains one of the most vitally necessary components of law enforcement, as seen by the recent alerts raised regarding potential terrorist attacks threatening our nation's major cities. The exciting aspect of this field is that it is constantly changing -- just as America's enemies are always looking for new ways to attack the U.S., law enforcement officials within this specialty must have a flexible and open-minded approach, so they too can change with the needs posed by the environment. I would like to have a substitutive impact in terms of my future career, and I believe that I have the potential to not only do good but hopefully shape the field of criminal justice because of my past experiences and the perspective I will gain after completing this degree.
Q4. What is your experience in, and/or aptitude for completing academic work at a distance?
For most of my education, I have had to learn in a 'distanced' learning format. My duties took me far away from the conventional classroom environment, and I had to study and use materials like CDs, online classrooms, and other mediums that required me to discipline myself. I often had to be my own teacher and taskmaster. To be a soldier and to take classes at the same time requires the individual to be a fearless multi-tasker. I have learned to never waste a moment. Additionally, my experience also taught me to be an independent learner and thinker. I had to find my own sources and research...
Just as in the field of combat, a soldier must follow orders and complete his or her mission, but also must be able to show independent, strong judgment when confronted with the unknown. Law enforcement, being in the military, and being a student all require the individual to be able to deviate from the 'script' when the external environment demands it. I have also learned a great deal of discipline and enjoyment of hard work from my service.
Q5. What special abilities, qualities or life experiences will you bring to the program?
I bring the discipline I have learned through my experience in the military, first and foremost. One of the most difficult lessons that law enforcement officials must learn is the need to put the interests of the public above their own egos. This concept is already well-instilled within me as a soldier. A solder must be willing to lay down his or her life for America.
I also bring an international perspective that will stand me 'in good stead' in the field of homeland security. Although there are aspects of the field that require domestic policing techniques, a critical component of homeland security is understanding how international organizations infiltrate our nation and recruit members within America. I have become well-versed in a variety of cultures and psychological profiles of potential terrorists. Fighting terrorism requires more than simply putting 'bad guys' behind bars -- it means dismantling entire organizations. Finally, homeland security often requires coping with a level of threat and potential destruction that is vast in scale. Again, because of my work in the Navy, this is something with which I am extremely familiar.
