Experience

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  The Stimson Center

  • Washington DC-Baltimore Area

  • Senior Fellow and Program Director

    • May 2024 - Present
    • Washington DC-Baltimore Area

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  Project On Government Oversight

  • Washington D.C. Metro Area

  • Senior Defense Policy Fellow

    • Jun 2015 - May 2024
    • Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Research matters relating to the national defense with a focus on areas for reform; prepare for publication articles, reports, and press statements about the organization’s work; appear on all media platforms to discuss military reform; meet with legislators and staff members to lobby for issues relating to a more effective and affordable military. Published more than 125 reports, op-eds, columns, and blogs. Average 100 media appearances a year.

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  United States Marine Corps

  • United States
  • Armed Forces
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Assistant Operations Officer

    • May 2014 - May 2015

    Responsible for monitoring and maintaining the daily operations of the battalion; preparing reports to facilitate the operations officer and the commanding officer’s understanding of the unit’s current posture; planning future operations to ensure effective implementation; coordinating for support with both internal and external agencies.

  • Advisor

    • Jan 2014 - May 2014

    As the executive officer of the team, I coordinated training schedules and facilities for the 18-man team. I undertook intense language and cultural training for a deployment to Afghanistan. The mission was cancelled prior to our departure.

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  United States Marine Corps

  • Helmand Province, Afghanistan

  • Senior Watch Officer, Regimental Combat Team 7

    • Apr 2013 - Aug 2013
    • Helmand Province, Afghanistan

    Maintained constant situational awareness of combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan: provided Commanding Officer up-to-date information to facilitate rapid decision-making: managed daily performance of the watch floor personnel to ensure efficient operations.

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  United States Marine Corps

  • United States
  • Armed Forces
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Company Commander

    • Jun 2012 - Jan 2013

    Responsible for the training and readiness of nearly 100 Marines and officers: established effective battle-rhythm to balance mission accomplishment and the well-being of those in my charge.

  • Student, Expeditionary Warfare School

    • Aug 2011 - May 2012

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  United States Marine Corps

  • Fort Knox, KY

  • Tactics Instructor

    • Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
    • Fort Knox, KY

    Responsible for instruction and training of newly commissioned Marine and Army armor officers; conducted extensive research to update training material to reflect emerging doctrine; filled the role of mentor to young officers as they embarked on their careers.

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  Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Knox

  • Training Company Commander

    • May 2009 - Jun 2010

    Responsible for the training and development of all initial armor training for the United States Marine Corps.

  • Operations Officer

    • Jul 2008 - Jul 2009

    Created and implemented operational plans for the detachment. Served as the primary action officer for plans related to the Base Realignment and Closing transition from Fort Knox, KY to Fort Benning, GA.

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  United States Marine Corps

  • United States
  • Armed Forces
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Anti-Tank/TOW Platoon Commander

    • Nov 2007 - Jun 2008

  • Tank Platoon Commander

    • Apr 2006 - Nov 2007

    I commanded a platoon of 16 Marines and 4 M1A1 Main Battle Tanks. I deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from April until October 2007 as part of Bravo Company in support of RCT 6 to Al Anbar, Province. During that time, I led more than 200 combat missions.

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  Martech Associates, Inc

  • Yosemite National Park

  • On Site Construction Coordinator

    • Apr 2004 - Oct 2004
    • Yosemite National Park

    During the 2004 slate roof installation on the famous Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, I coordinated scheduling for sub-contractors on the construction site, acted as liaison between construction crew and hotel management, monitored worker safety and job site security, and maintained daily record of work completed.

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  KMIZ-TV (JW Broadcasting)

  • Columbia, Missouri Area

  • General Assignment Reporter

    • Aug 2001 - May 2003
    • Columbia, Missouri Area

    Researched, developed and prepared news stories for broadcast; performed live appearances in the field; generated daily story ideas; cultivated and maintained professional contacts in the community; prepared long-form pieces for special broadcasts.