PENSACOLA, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Kody Williams, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, is serving at the Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As an instructor at IWTC Williams is serving among the future generation of information warfighters.
IWTC instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready sailors.
Williams joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Williams serves as an information systems technician.
“My dad and brother were in the Navy,” said Williams. “Also, several of my coworkers at Microsoft were previously in the Navy. They all helped inspire me to join.”
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Charlotte.
“The lessons that I learned growing up were not being afraid to ask for help,” said Williams. “I also learned to make connections and talk to people to learn their story and assist them.”
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 Williams 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 is important to national defense because of our strength at sea,” said Williams.
Williams and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm most proud of being a ‘plank owner’ for Defense Cyberspace Operations at Naval Computer Telecommunication Station in Naples, Italy,” said Williams.
As Williams 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.
“Serving in the Navy has allowed me to better mentor my shipmates in their career and life,” added Williams. “It also has allowed me to serve and improve the community. The Navy has allowed me to develop discipline and a great work ethic, as well as, advance my career.”
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.