PENSACOLA, Fla. - Those serving at the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) learn the importance of information warfare as part of modern warfare.
One of those continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Cmdr. Hakim Bristow, a native of Manhattan, New York.
Although Bristow did not finish high school before joining the Navy, the commander has since completed his GED and undergraduate studies. Bristow also earned a master’s in cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2018.
Bristow joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Bristow serves as an information technology and information program manager.
“I had no clue about serving in the military, but knew I needed to make better choices,” Bristow said. “I was enlisted and made chief in eight years and then commissioned as an officer at year 10.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manhattan.
“Growing up, I learned to be friendly and down-to-earth,” Bristow said.
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, CIWT is one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services.
The CIWT domain, along with all other Navy training commands, is transforming and innovating its training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program used to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It focuses on empowering sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure sailors are ready for the fleet.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Bristow serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Bristow has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving as an officer in charge in Okinawa was a humbling experience,” Bristow said. “It’s an honor to lead sailors and share my experiences with them.”
Bristow can take pride in serving America through military service.
“It’s an honor to protect and defend this country,” Bristow said. “The Navy taught me integrity and accountability. It made me the man I am today.”
Bristow is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my brother, Lamont, and my sister, Peaches (Kimberly),” Bristow added. “I want to thank my wife, Omesha. She recently retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. I also want to thank my sons, all six of them.”
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| Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
One of those continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Cmdr. Hakim Bristow, a native of Manhattan, New York.
Although Bristow did not finish high school before joining the Navy, the commander has since completed his GED and undergraduate studies. Bristow also earned a master’s in cybersecurity from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2018.
Bristow joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Bristow serves as an information technology and information program manager.
“I had no clue about serving in the military, but knew I needed to make better choices,” Bristow said. “I was enlisted and made chief in eight years and then commissioned as an officer at year 10.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Manhattan.
“Growing up, I learned to be friendly and down-to-earth,” Bristow said.
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, CIWT is one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services.
The CIWT domain, along with all other Navy training commands, is transforming and innovating its training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program used to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It focuses on empowering sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure sailors are ready for the fleet.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Bristow serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Bristow has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Serving as an officer in charge in Okinawa was a humbling experience,” Bristow said. “It’s an honor to lead sailors and share my experiences with them.”
Bristow can take pride in serving America through military service.
“It’s an honor to protect and defend this country,” Bristow said. “The Navy taught me integrity and accountability. It made me the man I am today.”
Bristow is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my brother, Lamont, and my sister, Peaches (Kimberly),” Bristow added. “I want to thank my wife, Omesha. She recently retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. I also want to thank my sons, all six of them.”