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 Clint Bridenstine, a native of Turpin, Oklahoma.
Bridenstine has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military and civil service.
Bridenstine is grateful to others for helping make a career serving his country possible.
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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 Clint Bridenstine, a native of Turpin, Oklahoma.
Bridenstine, a 1995 graduate of Turpin High School, received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2003. Additionally, Bridenstine earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Phoenix in 2014.
Bridenstine served with the Army for 21 years and started working for the Navy as a government employee in 2021.
“I retired from the Army after 21 years in 2020 and worked as a contractor for a few months, then the Air Force for six months,” Bridenstine said. "In November 2021, I became a federal civilian with the Navy at CIWT. I took this job because it offered the challenges I wanted professionally, and I did not have much knowledge of the Navy Information Warfare Community."
“I began serving my country with the Oklahoma National Guard in 1996 and have basically been doing it ever since. I originally joined for the education benefits, but quickly realized I was born to serve my country."
The skills and values needed to succeed in life are similar to those found in Turpin.
“The lessons I learned growing up in Oklahoma were that family and community support can carry you through tough and challenging times, no matter what you face in life,” Bridenstine said. “Despite leaving my hometown area more than 25 years ago, I still feel connected.”
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.
Bridenstine supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“My proudest accomplishment during my military service was having the honor of serving several tours of duty as an Army first sergeant,” Bridenstine said. "My proudest accomplishment of my naval service is getting to support the entire CIWT domain each day. What the CIWT domain does for the Navy has fleet-wide impacts, and it is an honor to serve here."
Bridenstine can take pride in serving America through government service.
“Getting to continue my service in a civilian capacity has made me realize that even though I don't put on a uniform every day, I am still a part of a team,” Bridenstine said. "What I do matters and impacts thousands of sailors, civilians and contractors. My current job gives me purpose each day."
“I would like to thank my family,” Bridenstine added. "My wife's family has given me support and love no matter how far away we are. My wife and I have been married for 26 years, and we have five amazing children. I would not be where I am today without their unwavering love and support.”