PENSACOLA, Fla. – A 2009 graduate of Lake High School and Uniontown, Ohio native was announced as a 2019 Sailor of the Year (SOY) finalist for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23.
Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Brittney N. Edwards is the leading petty officer and instructor at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida, where she led 22 non-commissioned officers and civilians delivering 21,800 hours of instruction to more than 520 information warriors. After boot camp, Sailors attend an “A” school, such as at IWTC Corry Station, for technical training specific to their career paths.
“Serving as an ‘A’ school instructor is incredibly rewarding,” said Edwards. “Being able to interact with first-accession Sailors and play a role in shaping their future naval careers is extremely fulfilling.”
Edwards was one of seven Sailors who competed for the title of NETC SOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. She received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her achievements.
“Additionally, this year I had the opportunity to drive the development of the Communications Signals Collection Course, which will be the new rate/military-occupational-specialty granting course across all five (military) services,” said Edwards. “The challenges that accompanied course development and pilot implementation presented an excellent learning opportunity for myself and afforded me the ability to have a lasting impact on the information warfare community and the Navy as a whole.”
Edwards is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
“Serving as an ‘A’ school instructor is incredibly rewarding,” said Edwards. “Being able to interact with first-accession Sailors and play a role in shaping their future naval careers is extremely fulfilling.”
Edwards was one of seven Sailors who competed for the title of NETC SOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. She received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for her achievements.
“Additionally, this year I had the opportunity to drive the development of the Communications Signals Collection Course, which will be the new rate/military-occupational-specialty granting course across all five (military) services,” said Edwards. “The challenges that accompanied course development and pilot implementation presented an excellent learning opportunity for myself and afforded me the ability to have a lasting impact on the information warfare community and the Navy as a whole.”
Edwards is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the Force Development mission.
“As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”
Edwards has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Cybersecurity Law.
Edwards is also qualified as a master training specialist, which is a designation for demonstrating highly effective teaching skills and a comprehensive understanding of schoolhouse management, as well as for taking a leadership role in mentoring, instructing and evaluating instructors and curriculum.
The NETC SOY program recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.
“These outstanding Sailors and Marines were selected from an extremely talented field of candidates who epitomize the honor, courage, and commitment of military personnel throughout MyNavy HR Force Development,” said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole.
Edwards is the daughter of David and Claudia Smith, of Kent, Ohio.
For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao.