Hello,
I found info in this threat quite informative. Many thanks to the contributors.
I am planning to apply for OCS/OTS route for Intel in the Reserves, and whit it I have questions about my qualifications if it looks ok.
As per requirements from NCS
https://www.navycs.com/officer/intelligenceofficer.html
Age: 28 years old, married, father of one.
Security Clearance Eligibility: I am in credit card debt while building my business, around 25k. Applying for student loan of around 31k for my masters.
I have a crazy family history, with Polish officers being massacred by the Soviets in WW2, Nazi resistance fighters and grandfather which was political leader in polish government on exile in London, working on the occupied territories. After the war he was captured and tortured trying to break him to go to spy on the exiled government, sadly he died in jail. My deceased father was forced to join the communist party, as the whole family was prosecuted and couldn't achieve anything else if he would not do so. I also have long military history with generals, marshals and knights. Are those things important for background check for clearance?
My close family is tricky too, my spouses’ father is a retired colonel from Venezuela, from the good guard which fight off the Chavez coup d'etat in 92. He was rewarded with Inter American Defense program in Washington DC. The family is actively showing their anti-Maduro views, and the father had sign letter of support for interim president Guido with other retired military officers from Venezuela. Her stepbrother, which is not recognized and not in contact, is on Interpol list.
Also do I need to present people I know? For example, my mom sold house to retired Polish general, which established Polish special forces, years ago. I know Polish diplomats and politicians. I was also brought to Poland for leadership program for Polish Americans, organized by nonprofit called school of leaders, and co-sponsored by Polish government. This could be an asset and a liability depends from what perspective we look....
A person I know was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Europe and NATO Policy told me that those things are ok, but better run it by recruiters.
Citizenship: US born. I also have Polish citizenship, ready to resign if need it (although I saw that there are waivers)
Education: BA in International Economic Relations with specialization in International Business from Polish university, with exchange programs in Netherlands and South Korea (could this be an issue for the board as the university is accredited in Poland? it has agreements with US universities, which I think can qualify the degree in the end).
I will start masters in logistics and supply chain management from January and finish December 2020. (I know that at the Selection board it doesn't count but is it worth it to put the info in?) Certifications from FIU and Georgetown University on International Business and Public Policy
Foreign language skill: Fluent in Polish, beginner in Spanish, broken Korean. I have learned a bit of hiragana and katana (Japanese alphabet for foreigners) but I forgot it already.
Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR): my recruiter just told me that I don't need OAR for reserves. Can someone confirm?
Leadership and Work Experience
Self-employed running international business and public policy firm focusing on bridging Florida and LATAM with Central and Eastern Europe. I am specializing on market entry strategies, business and market analysis, geopolitics, marketing and sales. Also working on economic corridor concept between Poland and Florida to create new strategic flow between the two due to geopolitical developments like Mexico-Florida port cooperation, one of the Belt and Road Initiative entry points to Europe is through Poland etc.
Corporate experience as business development manager for North America, IT corporation.
Real Estate associate.
Active in Polish American community, recognized by many as a community leader, organizing trade missions between Poland and Florida, Polish heritage events, humanitarian aid projects like support for Haiti after hurricane Matthew where with Polish parishes we collected 60 boxes of food, medicine and baby staff. President of Polish American professional business organization in Florida. Currently I am in mids of organizing Polish Floridian Business group which will be like chamber of commerce. Also, I am very active with Florida, Miami and Broward county economic development teams, and recognize by Broward county as county liaison to Poland. Additionally, I have broad network in Polish American leadership, as well as diplomatic personnel from the Polish embassy (like the Ambassador) and in Polish government (like Speaker of the Polish Senate, current ruling party and opposition). I am also involved in Republican Party structures in Florida.
Lived in Poland, Netherlands, South Korea, one month in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo and obviously in the US. Overall traveled to 55 countries in 5 continents.
All of those experiences are relative to the Navy because:
1. Geopolitical expertise is something in need today, with the changing world order due to arising great power competition. Being self-educated in theoretical geopolitics like MacKinder, Mahan, Spykman, Brzezinski etc. as well as understanding the implications of geography, resources, economic structures, innovation, political systems, international relations etc. my knowledge can be applied into intel creation and analysis in Europe, more specifically into Central and Eastern Europe but also to Latin America - Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia etc. Africa, North, West, Central and Southern, East Asia, Middle East, South Eastern Asia.
Regional expertise:
2. US military is increasing its presence in Poland and Romania, as the CEE region is the choke point/entrance to the European Peninsula and the Eurasian landmasses. China and Russia are actively present in the region in the asymmetric warfare (cyber attracts and disinformation, green people in Crimea etc), and NATO alliance is analyzing how to defend the Baltic states with article 5. The increased presence requires more intel for the region and understanding of regional relations shaped by history and culture. In this picture Poland would be probably the main land army responsible on defending the Eastern flank of NATO, until the heavy cavalry will arrive, and it will require Intel personnel who can be useful in this scenario to communicate with Polish counterparts. The involvement in the Polish American community can proof an asset to the military.
3. Understanding economic capacity, innovation and trends will be new intel tool to describe the current affairs need it for congressional or military decisions.
4. Understanding South Korea and Japanese geopolitics, etc.
Additional things to consider:
Does the experience from regattas on tall ships counts toward my resume? I have sailed 3 times on 164 ft barquentine, where at the last two I was recognize as the right hand off the officer of the watch. Those were 3 weeks adventures after which I was organizing representative teams for port events like parades and competitions between other crews. I also worked for 2 years in luxury yacht industry, got my STCW 95 (which expired this year).
Chess player with Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE int't organization) ranking
UN yellow vaccination book
Hobbies: history, geography, philosophy, sailing skiing,
Thank you.