PENSACOLA, Fla. - Seaman Jacob Shaffer, a native of Las Vegas 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 a student at IWTC Shaffer is serving among the future generation of information warfighters.
Students at IWTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Shaffer joined the Navy eight months ago. Today, Shaffer serves as a cryptologic technician.
“I wanted to join the Navy to see the world and travel,” said Shaffer. “The Navy seemed like the most diverse branch for travel opportunities.”
According to Shaffer, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Las Vegas.
“The main lesson I learned in Vegas was to keep an open mind,” said Shaffer. “In the Navy it has served me well to be open to opportunities and challenges as they come.”
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 Shaffer 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 is the most effective force because we are the most mobile and diverse,” said Shaffer. “I think maintaining freedom of the seas is the most important thing we do, and not just for national defense but to benefit everyone.”
Shaffer and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“So far, I am most proud of winning the Military Order of the World Wars Award of Merit for superior performance at basic training,” said Shaffer.
As Shaffer 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 means becoming a better person by working in a team environment and having the chance to affect change in a meaningful way around the world,” added Shaffer.
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.