I am interested in applying to the Navy DCO program in the IW community, in particular INTEL (1835). I am aware this is a very competitive program, but I have a question related to the STEM nature of the INTEL program. Many AW forum posts ask for qualification advice and are typically of the type "I have a non-STEM degree from a great university, and I have a background in X, am I competitive for DCO programs?" In my particular case I have a very strong STEM background (see below), but no direct intel experience. I don't see many posts covering this situation, so I figured I would ask here for thoughts and advice for improving my chances.
My specific background:
My specific background:
- Age = 34
- No prior military experience
- Formal Education (major research university in the Southwest USA):
- B.S. Physics (3.4 GPA)
- M.S. Electrical Engineering (4.0 GPA)
- Ph.D. Electrical Engineering (4.0 GPA with distinction)
- Graduate work supported by USAF, in topics related to directed energy systems; included experience at USAF directed energy warfare facilities
- Received competitive scholarships from USAF and NASA
- Received an achievement award in my R&D field (top graduate student worldwide in this area)
- Currently employed (8+ years) at a major DOE/NNSA laboratory working in nuclear weapon (NW) science & engineering:
- Several years experience in device engineering related to NW systems used by the USN and USAF
- Team Lead for very large high-risk R&D projects (including leadership of 30 direct/indirect reports) associated with new modeling/analysis software for national security applications
- Experience with analysis of devices relevant to directed energy (DE) systems
- Fast-track to R&D management, presently the Manager/ Department Head of a team of scientists/engineers/technologists (20 direct and/or indirect reports) working in national security work relevant to NW programs
- Graduated from 1-year course for selected NW leaders that includes topics in nuclear physics & engineering, USN and USAF systems, geo-political strategy, and some intelligence topics
- Received an NNSA Defense Program Award of Excellence (as the team leader of a project)
- Current DOE/NNSA security clearance equivalent to TS
- I have other experience for "whole person" assessment, but did not include in detail here
- I do not have a formal background in foreign policy, nor direct experience in the intelligence community (although I do "cross paths" occasionaly). I do not speak a critical foreign language. My primary background is in "hard" science/engineering topics in DE and NW, and less on "soft" topics like information/cryptography. I am a very quick study, and I am interested in the IW community specifically. Am I still competitive, given my background?
- I've read a lot of posts noting the billets available in the DC / East Coast area (and the competitive nature of those assignments), but is there information on West Coast assignments? Do reserve IWC officers drill in San Diego, or elsewhere? (I am located in New Mexico.)
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