AMU The In Homeland Security Podcast

In this episode, AMU alumnus Dr. Robert Brzenchek – an author, U.S. Navy veteran, and cybersecurity expert – discusses what the U.S. must do to protect itself from another devastating attack. According to Dr. Brzenchek, our next 9/11 situation will see our whole way of life and infrastructure damaged by a major cyberattack. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In 2020, there were 365,000+ reports of missing children across the United States. Law enforcement agencies often do not have the resources, manpower or intelligence-based skillsets to bring these children back to their families. In this episode, AMU professor Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to Richard Ring, CEO of F3 Missing Children's Intelligence Agency, about bringing together intelligence analysts, retired special operations and military personnel, and retired federal law enforcement officers to help investigate missing children cases. Learn about the importance of using an intelligence-based approach to finding missing children and the challenges associated with investigating cold cases. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Since the Taliban overthrew Afghan security forces when the U.S. withdrew, there has been widespread international concern about Afghanistan's stability and regional security. In this episode, AMU's Dr. Jarrod Sadulski talks to counterterrorism and international relations expert Dr. Mahmut Cengiz about the history of the Taliban and the rise of multiple terrorism factions in Afghanistan. Learn about the terrorism capacity of the Taliban, ISIS Khorasan or ISIS-K, and Al-Qaeda as well as their financial resources and what countries are backing these terrorist organizations. Also hear predictions for the future of Afghanistan and the likelihood of terrorist threats to the U.S. and other countries who are opposed to these terror organizations controlling Afghanistan. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Military servicemembers have skills and training that can be extremely useful in the civilian workforce, however, it's challenging to figure out how to translate those skills to the commercial sector. In this episode, Wes O'Donnell talks to AMU professor, retired U.S. Army Reserve Army Colonel Larry Dietz, about his military service and experience in psychological warfare, cyber warfare and information operations. Hear how servicemembers must work to define the hard and soft skills they learned in the military including the ability to identify credible sources of information, make decisions under pressure, and present complex situations in a direct and simplified way. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility, not just IT or technical professionals. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to cybersecurity professor Dr. Kevin Harris about the rise in hacking and ransomware attacks on organizations. Learn why it's important for companies to invest in programmers and technical personnel who have the skills needed to protect networks while also training all employees—especially executives—about cybersecurity best practices and cyber threats. Also learn what the government can do to establish regulations and also provide incentives and assistance to companies encouraging them not to pay ransoms if they are attacked by hackers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In September 2001, Dr. Chris Reynolds was at work at U.S. Special Operations Command when two planes hit the World Trade Center twin towers. A few weeks later, he was one of the first military personnel to deploy to Afghanistan. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to him about his experience working in the region, his thoughts on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and how quickly the Taliban was able to seize control of the country. Also learn why it's more important than ever for the U.S. to expand its intelligence capabilities to detect and prevent another likely terrorist attack on U.S. soil. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the first woman to command a numbered fleet for the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, retired Vice Admiral Jan Tighe faced many leadership challenges during her long U.S. Navy career. In this episode, learn how she continually worked to understand and evolve her own leadership style, why she encouraged open feedback from her subordinates and her bosses, and the steps she took to be an authentic leader. Also learn the value of self-reflection and why the work needed to be an inspirational and trusted leader is never complete. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While the U.S. is reporting far fewer COVID-19 infection rates than a year ago, the virus is by no means gone. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU's Dr. Christopher Reynolds about the current state of the U.S., the increase in variants and virus mutations, and the success of mitigation efforts like mask wearing and vaccination campaigns. Learn what emergency managers have learned during the response to COVID-19 and how it's contributed to crisis planning and preparation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Many large companies created security intelligence units after 9/11, which mostly focused on generating business and competitive intelligence. In this episode, AMU Intelligence Studies professor Daniela Baches-Torres discusses the recent emergence of private sector intelligence units that provide risk assessments and generates intelligence products related to the security of a company's assets, operations and employees. Learn about the similarities and differences between public and private sector intelligence careers, the unique skillsets needed for the private sector, and advice on pursuing a career as a private sector intelligence analyst. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Students pursuing a degree in intelligence studies often envision a career as an intelligence analyst for the CIA or another organization in the Intelligence Community (IC). Many students don't realize the vast opportunities for intelligence professionals in the private sector. In this episode, AMU Intelligence Studies professor Dr. Beth shares her experience working in competitive intelligence as part of the intelligence unit of a large corporation. Learn the most important skillsets for intelligence professionals, including research, language, communication, and critical thinking skills. Also hear advice on finding a job, the importance of ongoing networking, and tips on communicating transferable skills into business language, especially for those with military experience. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While a servicemember, Brittany Powell was sexually assaulted. In this episode, she talks to AMU professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt about her experience and what it was like to report this crime while in the military. Learn what she wants other victims of sexual assault to know, what has helped her recover from this trauma, and resources that can help others. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Technology used by law enforcement to solve crimes has evolved dramatically over the last century. In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU Criminal Justice professor Jennifer Bucholtz about the history of criminal investigation tools and techniques. Learn about the development and use of photography, fingerprints, algor mortis analysis, ballistics, DNA, Touch DNA, genetic genealogy, and more that has helped law enforcement officers solve crimes throughout the years. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

On January 6, rioters breached police barricades and forced their way into the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. In this episode, AMU’s Leischen Kranick talks to Anthony Raganella, who spent eight of his 25-year law enforcement career as the Commanding Officer of the NYPD’s Disorder Control Unit and now offers training to prepare agencies for riots and civil unrest. While this incident was shocking because of where it happened, it’s not an uncommon experience for agencies across the country. Learn about efforts to create national standards for training, equipment, and tactics to help agencies plan and prepare for riots and civil unrest. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What will President-elect Biden do to address border security and immigration issues? In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to border security and immigration expert Sylvia Longmire about expected actions by the Biden Administration. Hear how Biden is likely to reverse many of Trump’s border policies that have caused a humanitarian crisis among asylum seekers. Also learn about anticipated changes to the Temporary Protected Status program, border wall construction, DACA, and more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Career transitions bring new challenges, opportunities, and perspectives. In this episode, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart talks about his 38-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps and his leadership experience as the Deputy Commander United States Cyber Command and the 20th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). Learn how his military training and mindset helped him during his career transition to the private sector, why he advocates so strongly for businesses to hire military veterans, his dedication to lifelong learning, and his advice to others during a career transition. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Data privacy is extremely challenging in today’s interconnected world. In this episode, AMU cybersecurity program director Dr. Kevin Harris talks to Rodney Hampton, a 20-year cybersecurity professional who focuses on data privacy. Learn about corporate privacy issues including storing data on the cloud and the potential risk of having employees who work from home using IoT devices. Also learn how individuals can protect their own privacy by removing personal information from the internet as well as career advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Who was D.B. Cooper, the infamous skyjacker who stole $250k and has eluded the FBI for nearly 50 years? In this episode, Glynn Cosker interviews Erik Kleinsmith who is part of a renowned cold case investigation team that believes they have identified the real D.B. Cooper. Learn more about their investigation strategy, part of which uses intelligence-driven data analysis to uncover details and make connections that point to only one man. Also learn how the team is applying this investigative strategy to solving other cold cases. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of President Trump's campaign promises was to "Build the Wall" along the U.S. and Mexico border. Glynn Cosker interviews immigration expert Sylvia Longmire about the status of the border wall, how much has been built, and the many controversies surrounding the project. Also learn how the upcoming presidential election could shift the country's immigration policy and strategy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The vast majority of cybersecurity professionals are white men, but there's a major push to close this diversity gap. In this episode, learn about the changes organizations must make to successfully recruit more minorities and women, and the role of schools to build awareness about cybersecurity opportunities among young students. Join AMU cybersecurity program director Dr. Kevin Harris as he talks to Larry Whiteside Jr. about his job as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO); the evolution of cybersecurity during his 25-year career; and the passion driving his work as a founding member of the International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What is it like to covertly follow a target through the crowded streets of a foreign country? In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks to AMU criminal justice professor Jennifer Bucholtz about her surveillance career in the military, government, and as a private investigator. Learn about some of the covert surveillance tactics she perfected in order to blend in to any situation and the importance of creating a believable cover story. Also learn about some of the technology she used as well as some her most challenging and difficult undercover assignments. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Glynn Cosker talks with foreign policy expert John Ubaldi about the first, and somewhat chaotic, presidential debate between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden. Ubaldi discusses how the candidates handled themselves during the Sept. 29 debate and some of the topics covered – along with the topics not adequately covered – including an acceptable plan to fight COVID-19 and how the domestic policy of each candidate correlates with national security. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dan Mahanty and APU Doctoral Faculty, Dr. Elise Carlson-Rainer, discuss the importance of human rights considerations in modern foreign policy. In this podcast, these two former diplomats deliberate over the current state of affairs of human rights in U.S. foreign policy. They address how human rights compel or constrain American diplomacy, economic and security policies overseas today. Mahanty and Carlson-Rainer end with an overview of the potential for reshaping policy, as well as the role of academics in the field of global security and international relations. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Leischen Kranick speaks with Rebekah Journey from Legacy of Hope International and Dr. Michael Pittaro, assistant professor of criminal justice at American Military University, about what’s being done both internationally and domestically to combat human trafficking. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world. American Military University’s Dr. Michael Pittaro joins Leischen Kranick to discuss what law enforcement is doing to combat human trafficking, the challenges local, state, and federal agencies continue to face, and what more can be done to reduce human trafficking both domestically and internationally. To learn more about American Military University, visit https://www.AMUonline.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Dr. Elise Carlson-Rainer, assistant professor of international relations in the School of Security and Global Studies at American Military University, recently spoke with former colleague Ambassador Jones on the leadership role she assumed in Libya after the Benghazi attack. The two worked together on assignment in Kuwait in 2008. In that position they worked on illegal human trafficking, labor issues in the Persian Gulf and the upcoming Kuwaiti election that would be the first in which women could run for office. In this podcast interview Dr. Carlson-Rainer talks with Ambassador Jones on taking on the tough assignment of assuming a leadership position in a time of crisis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

American Military University doctoral studies faculty member, Dr. Casey Skvorc, talks about the key differences in intelligence laws and ethics between European countries and the U.S. In this striking podcast topic Dr. Skvorc shares his methods for teaching European intelligence law and ethics, and how agencies in the IC can ensure individuals and intelligence professionals are abiding by legal and ethical boundaries. To learn more about American Military University’s programs, visit http://www.AMUonline.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

American Military Intelligence Studies Program Director Dr. Nicole Drumhiller interviews the International Spy Museum’s Executive Director Colonel (ret.) Chris Costa about the life-changing impact that an AMU terrorism class had on his intelligence career. Col. Costa also discusses current knowledge gaps in the intelligence field and international partnerships that encourage diversity in learning. To learn more about American Military University, visit http://www.AMUonline.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

APUS Doctoral Program Professor, Dr. Carlson-Rainer, speaks to Aaron Spencer - a senior official with the United Nations Development Program in Kabul. Aaron offers his expertise on the security and rebuilding challenges he faces in Afghanistan and other post-conflict areas around the world. In the next 30 minutes, you’ll learn: · Some key points related to a career in international affairs and international security· How diplomats and officials overseas strategically focus their work· How international security affects our own homeland security· The difficulties of combining security and development· Guidance for doctoral students and how they can utilize their education for a future career in international relationsTo learn more about American Military University, visit http://www.AMUonline.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.