In Their Own Words

Two Embry-Riddle alumni who work in security and intelligence offered The Leader magazine their insights on this fascinating career field.

Johnny Jones, a civilian security specialist with the U.S. Air Force at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is responsible for providing guidance to base units and ensuring they protect classified and sensitive national security information and material.

Jones, a 1991 graduate of Embry-Riddle, said staying abreast of all the threats to individuals, resources, and national security from terrorism, computer hacking, espionage, and other sources is a big challenge. "Security awareness, constant vigilance, and cooperation among private, state, and federal entities are necessary to counter and mitigate these threats," he said.

Jones said his work is demanding of his time and family. "Mobility is a requirement for the internship and to advance in professional fields with the federal government," he said. "But it gives me great satisfaction to play a part in our national security."

Lt. Col. Robert Barone is a military intelligence officer with the U.S. Air Force Homeland Defense Division. After graduating from Embry-Riddle and receiving his Air Force commission in 1984, Barone became an air surveillance officer. He reviews incoming security and homeland defense-related information related to domestic air surveillance. His job includes working with the FAA to track all aircraft in the United States. He analyses the data for consistency with Air Force policy, guidance, and operational plans and then forwards it to other units.

Like Jones, Barone explained that intelligence work requires a great deal of versatility and flexibility. "Coordinating with different elements in the Department of Defense and federal government is also a challenge," he said. The best part of his job, he said, is his interaction with the team of specialists he works with.