National Intelligence University president brings ideas to USTRANSCOM

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The president of National Intelligence University spoke with members of U.S. Transportation Command here Feb. 13 about the intelligence-specific graduate programs available to government civilian and military members holding high clearances. 

“Our master’s of science in Strategic Intelligence is available to anyone with a government issued top secret clearance special to learn intelligence analysis and developing critical thinkers,” said David R. Ellison, president, NIU. 

Ellison served as the president of the Naval Postgraduate School and in a variety of command and staff positions, prior to retiring from the Navy as a two-star admiral. 

USTRANSCOM currently has three individuals enrolled in this MSSI degree.  NIU instructors, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) professionals and subject matter experts teach the courses based out of the St. Louis campus of NGA, in addition to other locations throughout the world.   

“The overall community benefits from the integration of our graduates into their commands. The thesis products students produce each year – about 250 plus more from part-time students – add great value to intelligence community.” said Ellison, referring to the analytical products produced as part of the course. 

Command members at USTRANSCOM enjoyed learning about the program.  Leaders appreciated the concentration in intelligence analysis as well as the availability of the program to government civilians and to junior enlisted and senior officers on the military side. 

“Lots of folks in uniform get a master’s degree but not always in their exact area of expertise. We lose them for hunks of time but it’s valuable to develop them as analysts,” said Navy Capt. Daryl Hancock, USTRANSCOM Director of Intelligence. 

“I think it is an intriguing opportunity for government civilians and servicemen to earn a highly relevant masters degree as a non-residential student in a growing field without expending personal funds or having to gain the funds from their own organization.  I encourage folks to visit their website at www.NI-U.edu and check it out.” said Col. John Brau, deputy director, Joint Distribution Process Analysis Center. 

The website lists the requirements for enrollment and explains the program. 

Ellison related that Director James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, envisions NIU as analogous to the National Defense University and that his team planned to meet that vision. 

USTRANSCOM is the Department of Defense command that delivers U.S. forces, their equipment and supplies where they are needed; sustains those forces during the mission, evacuates them if wounded and brings them home when their mission is accomplished.  Together with government and commercial partners, USTRANSCOM delivers. 

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