By This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Vice President of Federal Sales and Marketing, Micro Focus
Updating IT systems for web compatibility is a challenge being faced government-wide, and the Department of Homeland Security is no exception. Because of obvious benefits like cost savings, efficiency and accessibility, the Obama administration continues to promote the implementation of cloud computing, with the promise of making available the necessary resources through the recent launch of www.Apps.gov. As the cloud facilitates access to mission-critical information through web-enabled applications, homeland security organizations will be able to more easily access important information at a moment's notice. This could be especially helpful with DHS' interagency collaborative efforts, where timeliness of shared information can make the difference in securing our nation and finding the threat before a plan is implemented.
Despite the benefits, many agencies are hesitant in turning to the cloud because of security risks and concerns. Further, those agencies operating mission-critical applications that rely on historical programming language COBOL feel tied to the mainframe and inflexible when it comes to cloud computing. The good news is that COBOL-based homeland security organizations looking to realize the benefits of cloud computing can make practical progress toward leveraging these benefits without jumping straight into the cloud -- historical applications and all.
As homeland security becomes more dependent on web capabilities for enhanced availability and streamlined logistical processes, upgrading critical applications is a 'must.' While the majority of these agencies still rely on COBOL for mission-critical applications, it can be a challenge to integrate this historical programming language with modern technologies. Application modernization allows government agencies to operate mainframe applications, like those written in COBOL, in a web environment, ultimately enabling web compatibility without significant budget impact or risk involved. A compelling alternative to rewriting or replacing the applications, modernization fosters communication between historical systems and contemporary solutions, while preserving the unique value encompassed in existing IT systems. Deployable in less than two months, modernization also provides homeland defense organizations with greater flexibility, enabling rapid response to changes in processes as needed, from implementing new security measures along our nation's borders to responding quickly to natural disasters.
As agencies government-wide are starting to realize the value of cloud computing, homeland security organizations that rely on historical systems can be quick to follow through the use of modernization solutions. Modernizing critical applications through Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) provides organizations otherwise bound to the mainframe environment with the ability to leverage these modern technologies. Inserting an added layer of technology, COBOL applications can now operate in a Web 2.0 environment, providing a responsive rich internet application, using unchanged code. The now-web-based applications continue to work the same -- because they are the same. Business rules may have moved platforms with a Web 2.0 interface added, but QA time is ultimately reduced because the application business logic remains untouched.
Modernization solutions not only enable government agencies to transition into the cloud, but they can now do it at their own pace. As security risks are often cited as the number one concern when upgrading systems for cloud computing compatibility, modernization enables a step-by-step approach for cautious agencies. Practical steps toward the cloud enable government agencies to leverage the same benefits, without making the full commitment. Transitioning to a private cloud is one option -- providing the same web benefits from within the boundary of an agency's own firewall. A private cloud enables agencies to leverage benefits like pay-as-you-go licensing and elasticity -- from within their own data centers, at their own pace. Another option would be to move a single application into the web environment. Moving a single application demonstrates the ease with which applications can be transitioned to a different operating environment while maintaining full agency control over the data.
As cloud computing grows as an essential tool for homeland security, historical systems do not need to act as barriers for agencies running mainframe based applications. Implementing modernization solutions allows government agencies to leverage the benefits of modern technologies, like cloud computing -- ultimately providing those entrusted with the security of our nation greater accessibility to critical information at a moment's notice.
Bill Errico is Vice President of Federal Sales and Marketing at Micro Focus.
Q&A with Colonel Michael Angley, conducted by HSO Editor Larry Kahaner
Colonel Michael Angley is a Public Relations Officer for Henley-Putnam University (http://www.henley-putnam.edu) and the award-winning author of the Child Finder Trilogy (http://www.childfinder.us). He retired from the Air Force in 2007 following a 25-year career as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Angley has an M.A. in National Security Affairs from the US Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He is a former National Defense Fellow and Adjunct Professor of International Relations at Florida International University, Miami, Florida, and is an Honor Graduate of the Defense Language Institutes Korean language program.
Q. You have made the transition from a military career to a civilian career. Tell us what you learned about the process. What did you do right; what did you do wrong?
A. The greatest lesson I learned in the process is the value of preparation. That may sound obvious, but the reality is there is a whole lot packed into the word preparation when it comes to making the ultimate military-to-civilian transition. The sooner one begins to prepare, the smoother it will be when the time comes. One of the best things I did was to attend my host base Transition Assistance Program (TAP). During my TAP class I made a list of the main things to accomplish before I became a civilian, which were the long poles in the tent. As I inched closer to the big day, I took advantage of some of the specialized classes the Airman and Family Readiness Center the USAF TAP people provided, things like resume development and interview skills. The basic TAP course covers these very well, but I found the hands-on specialized classes held separately from the TAP course to be great skill enhancers.
If I had to do it all over again, I would begin preparing 10 to 12 months out, instead of around the six month point when I did. That was probably my greatest regret because I felt things became incredibly compressed as I neared my final out. I also underestimated the value of networking in finding a new job. Thats not to say people must know someone to get a great job; after all, what sells someone to an employer is experience and competence. But it doesnt hurt to tap into professional networks. You have to leverage opening doors so that your resume lands in the right inbox.
Q. What general advice can you offer someone looking for a career in Homeland Security? What are the areas with the best opportunities for growth?
A. For military members looking to work in the Homeland Security arena, I would advise two things: First, learn as much as possible about the broad community it comprises (the myriad of agencies, types of jobs within, authorities inherent in each sector, etc.). By knowing how the community is structured, and what types of careers are available, it makes it easier to find the right job fit for the members particular set of skills, experiences, and education. Second, make sure that your security clearance is up to date. Having an up-to-date security clearance whatever the level may be will give an applicant a jumpstart in a new job. Cleared individuals are much more attractive to an employer who typically must fill vacancies in a matter of weeks or a few months, and not be encumbered by a lengthy background investigation process.
The Homeland Security field is wide open for growth. My sense is that border control problems will increase, particularly once the US economy improves and we face a new influx of illegal immigrants looking for work. Both Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) will likely see a surge in effort as a result. I also think we have a dearth of qualified analysts across the spectrum. Last year the FBI announced it was hiring several hundred new agents and analysts. As the problem of homegrown radicals and domestic terrorism increases, the need for people skilled in connecting the dots will become paramount.
Q. What are the top three challenges facing someone making the transition?
A. Id say these are: understanding the private-sector culture, translating military experiences into civilian terms, and possessing the right education to land the perfect job.
It doesnt matter if a person is transitioning from the military to a civilian government job, the cultures are very different, as are the HR rules and procedures. Its even more difficult for someone leaving the military (a non-profit ) for a civilian career in the private sector, corporate world (a for-profit ). Companies are all about the bottom line and they consider what a potential new employee can do to contribute. Learning these cultural differences and business principles will give the new veteran an edge.
Second, being able to convert ones military experiences into actionable language that will resonate with a civilian employer is an art. The TAP program helps with this during resume classes, but it still takes a great deal of thought and rigor. If a resume contains traditional military job titles, acronyms, and jargon, then its time for a resume makeover. If someone is able to cite an accomplishment in terms like this: pioneered a quality-control system that in its first year improved productivity 85%, reduced man-hours by 63%, and saved $2.6M, then he or she is well on the way.
Finally, having the right education for the job being sought is vital. This is often one of those long poles in the tent. The time to think about it is not a few months, or even one year, before leaving the military. It is something service members must think about throughout their military career. After all, everyone in uniform leaves active duty at some point. Education is not only important to a post-military career, its also important during a military career, so it just makes sense to think about it early and often. Once someone has that inkling that he or she will transition in the near or mid-future, I recommend an education reassessment. If someone is thinking about a second career in Homeland Security, for example, it is prudent to learn as much as possible about the education requirements for entry into certain jobs, and then find the schools that provide whats needed. If at all possible, service members should use up their active duty Tuition Assistance (T/A) benefits before they separate or retire. These benefits are lost once the member leaves the service. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a generous benefit, but it only makes sense to maximize use of T/A while on active duty, and save as much of the veterans benefits for later&possibly even transfer the benefits to family members if eligible.
Q. What specific obstacles stand in the way of making the move from the military to a civilian career in HS? Are their specific resume tips that apply to those coming from the military that those in the private sector don't need to address?
A. There are probably more advantages for military members than disadvantages when making this kind of move. Veterans possess good training, discipline, physical fitness, and have passed some level of screening, security or otherwise, to have served. All of these traits are attractive to HR people in the Homeland Security world.
On the downside, especially for members who retire with 20 or more years of service, age can be an issue. Most of the federal agencies hiring for Special Agent jobs ( 1811 series) have a maximum age for entry, which may pose a problem for some people. Of course, outside this narrow realm of careers, age is not typically an obstacle. For someone transitioning from a military career field which has no resemblance to the skills required for a new HS job, being able to cull the right experiences for the resume goes back to the art versus science comment I made earlier. Most military members, regardless of their career field, at some point have been involved in activities like physical security, document security, handling classified information, and weapons proficiency, to name a few. Not to be overlooked are various military training programs and additional duties they may have had. Perhaps a dental technician was assigned as a Unit Security Manager and attended a course to prepare him for the job. Or the supply clerk who was also a unit Operations Security (OPSEC) monitor may have some specialized training, as well. The key is to make an honest assessment of these experiences and training and translate them into the right words for a resume, minus any hyperbole.
Q. What should people look for as far as training or academic studies are concerned that will help them move into the private sector?
A. For people looking to start a new career in Homeland Security, there are many colleges and universities that offer programs in related areas of study. These range from individual courses and certificate programs up to and including doctoral degrees. Sometimes separating the diamonds from the cubic zirconium can be a little tricky. My recommendation is that folks take their time and get to know the school before making the decision to plunk down a few thousand dollars for a program. If I could narrow the list of factors down to three, they would be: school scope (does it specialize in these programs or is the school a mile wide and an inch deep with many disparate and diluted programs?), degree-relevance (does the school offer several degree options within the security arena, or does it have a single generic Homeland Security program?), and quality of the faculty (do they have real-world experience in the HS community, or have they simply obtained a degree in a related field with no practical experience?).
What impressed me about Henley-Putnam University, and why I accepted a position as a Public Relations Officer there, is how well it scored in all three areas. It focuses exclusively on the strategic security arena nothing more, nothing less. It is an inch wide, but a mile deep when it comes to quality of programs and faculty.
y-Putnam has a wide range of programst comes to quality of programs and faculty. n as a Publi Relations Officer degree in aQ. What sources should people look to for help - including financial assistance?
A. Before someone leaves the military, he or she should visit the installation Education Services Office (ESO) for education guidance, to include financial assistance counseling. As I mentioned previously, there are active duty T/A benefits to be had, and I highly recommend military members make the most use of them before separation or retirement. The base/post ESO can also provide assistance on scholarships that may be available, loans, and other sources of assistance. Once they become veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is available if they meet eligibility qualifications. The local VA office can help with understanding eligibility, procedures, and processes. There are also some very good unofficial websites with a wealth of information for both active duty members and veterans when it comes to questions about financing education:
Military.com: http://www.military.com/education-home/
MilitaryTA.com: http://www.militaryta.com/
Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?
A. I cant emphasize enough the value in preparing to transition to civilian life, especially when it comes to education to enhance ones resume for a second career. Getting the right education can take time, so the sooner service members begin to think about and plan for it, the less stressful it will be as they approach this transition. They will have many other things to think about in the last year of active duty; they should not let education be one of those worries or regrets they may have when the time comes.
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