I currently work in Cloud and Data operations as the Group’s Data Systems Engineer.
I work directly with the CTO on data-related innovation efforts. I champion
major IT projects and cybersecurity efforts while managing multiple Azure-based cloud environments.
Accomplishments:
- Championed an Azure AI Search project, allowing staff to search for documents in a more efficient manner.
- Authored and implemented a cybersecurity compliance policy, reducing the number of violations by over 75%.
This was my first job after graduating the Information Systems Engineer course at Ft. Gordon (now Ft. Eisenhower).
Here, I got plenty of hands-on experience with VMWare, SharePoint, Active Directory and PowerShell. I spent most of my time
Briefing the commander on our tactical network architecture, ensuring that our systems were highly available, secure,
and meeting the needs of the brigade. I also worked on several projects to improve our network architecture and security posture.
Accomplishments:
- Created the Bastogne Automation Tool.
- Deployed several mission command servers in preparation for a major training exercise.
- Built several file share servers configured with DFS repliaction.
It was at this course that I found my passion for solving problems with technology. It all started with CCNA. I drank from a firehose and
in two months, I went from asking the question “What is an IP address?” to having my CCNA.
The course covered networking, Microsoft Server, VMWare, cloud, cybersecurity, RMF and more.
I also began studying for my master’s degree during this time.
Accomplishments:
- Graduated in the top 20% of my class.
- Earned my CCNA.
- Earned my CompTIA Network+,Security+ and Project+ certifications.
- Earned my Microsoft Azure Fundamentals and AWS Cloud Practitioner certifications.
US Army Alaska has since been re-flagged as the 11th Airborne Division.
I took over as the Deputy Commanding General’s Aide-de-Camp just in time for COVID to start.
Unfortunately this meant that all of the fun travel plans never happened.
I did, however get a front row seat to the making of the US Army’s Arctic strategy.
It was during this job that I took an interest in tech. Dealing with the rapid deployment of Microsoft Teams and
various other teleworking solutions required this lowly infantryman to act as a tier 1 helpdesk.
Accomplishments:
- Assisted in the development of the US Army’s Arctic strategy.
- Acted as tier 1 support for Microsoft Teams and other teleworking solutions.
This was my first real job in the Army. I got to ride around in trucks with big guns,
sneak around in the woods and fight pretend bad-guys at the Joint Readiness Training Center,
and generate some stories that I’m sure I will tell my grandchildren in inflated detail for dramatic effect.
The Josh of this era would have never guessed that he would be doing what he does today.