PENSACOLA, Fla. - Petty Officer 1st Class Corbin Powell, a native of Gautier, Mississippi, 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
As an instructor at IWTC Powell 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.
Powell joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Powell serves as a cryptologic technician (maintenance).
“I grew up in a small town on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Powell. “After graduating high school, an older gentleman at the shipyard I worked at kept telling me I needed to join the Navy which made me start thinking about it. I met a recruiter one night around that same time while at a Saint's game. I went to meet him the following morning and joined the Navy. I never looked back after that.”
According to Powell, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gautier.
“My hometown is full of fun, hard-working people,” said Powell. “We took a hard hit from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the community came together to rebuild our town better than it was before. Something I will always take from Gautier is there is always a way to complete a job with hard work and dedication.”
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 Powell 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.
“The Navy has a huge impact on national security; we shield and protect our Nation and our allies,” said Powell.
Powell and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I have mentored several young sailors that have had very successful careers in the Navy and civilian sector,” said Powell. “Seeing my protégés succeed is my most satisfying accomplishment.”
As Powell 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.
“While serving in the Navy I have met some amazing people and learned about different cultures from experiences around the world,” added Powell. “I wouldn't trade that for anything. Serving gives me a sense of security that the things that I love most will be there for a long time to come. Being a part of a team that helps secure the world's future means a lot.”
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.