PENSACOLA, Fla. - Seaman Recruit Matthew Bagby, a native of Monroe, Missouri, is serving at the Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel |
As a student at IWTC, Bagby is serving among the future generation of information warfighters.
Students at IWTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Bagby joined the Navy three months ago. Today, Bagby serves as a cryptologic technician.
“I always wanted to join the Navy,” said Bagby. “Hearing my father's sea stories throughout my life, along with the fact that both my grandfathers served made it an easy decision.”
According to Bagby, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Monroe.
“Growing up, I learned that respect carries a lot of weight, as you want to earn it and also receive it,” said Bagby.
IWTC, one of Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT)’s four training commands, provides schooling for the Navy and joint services in cryptologic, information systems and cyber functions: enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
Headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
CIWT trains enlisted personnel and officers in all functions of information warfare covering fields ranging from military intelligence, cyberwarfare and information systems to electronic warfare and cryptologic operations throughout the scope of their Navy careers. CIWT trains more than 26,000 students annually, with an average of 3,700 students attending classes daily. CIWT constantly strives to modernize training taught using emerging technology and the Persistent Cyber Training Environment to train the next generation of information warfare professionals.
Serving in the Navy means Bagby is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our Navy’s capabilities are all the components to our mission, protecting the homeland and security for our allies,” said Bagby.
Bagby and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of graduating from bootcamp,” said Bagby. “After 70 days of being away from home and achieving something so purposeful was a great accomplishment.”
As Bagby and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I have always wanted to serve in the Navy and I feel like I am only doing my part ,” added Bagby. “I think it’s something everyone should do to help protect our country.”
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.