As part of the MPA experience, I applied for an internship with the United States Department of Homeland Security in Brunswick, Georgia. This prestigious internship accepted me as one of 16 students selected nationally. After receiving a low-level clearance, I was sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center works with 127 agencies and has three training programs. These programs are the Uniformed Police Training Program, the Land Management Training Program, and the Criminal Investigation Training Program. This program trains special agents for Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the United States Secret Service, and the Internal Revenue Service.
During the 8-week program, I lived on the base and participated in all aspects of the CITP. I learned how to use various firearms for the first time, including advanced techniques such as firing from cover and out of vehicles. I was granted access to a high-tech virtual range that tested communication skills in high-stakes scenarios such as mass shootings and hostage situations. I received advanced driving techniques training for high-speed driving and skidding vehicles on a closed driving course. The ATF demonstrated explosions of various calibers, including the demolition of a Ford Focus. There were several different forensic courses where I learned how to identify counterfeit passports and IDs using real confiscated documents. Most interestingly, I attended search warrant exercises at various houses where instructors planted evidence and used physical techniques to serve an arrest warrant on uncooperative individuals. I even learned how to investigate fraud with IRS agents and survey suspects with the Secret Service.
I was assigned to assist in the physical techniques division under the supervision of Branch Chief Alex Graves. Under his direction, I learned how the federal government operates and experienced the required expectations and level of professionalism. At the end of the internship, I presented to all the lead staff the importance of fitness, resiliency, and wellness, which are crucial aspects of training for all programs at FLETC. The presentation was an hour long and was the most challenging undertaking of the entire program.
My MPA experience, however, served me best. The soft skills I developed throughout the program, such as presenting, being an effective communicator, and maintaining professionalism, allowed me to excel and receive invaluable recommendations from top Federal officials. My presentation content was adopted into the curriculum, putting my mark on the future training of all agents and professionals who will be instructed at FLETC. This endeavor has accelerated my career prospects, and I have become increasingly close to my dream career of working with the Criminal Investigations Department of the IRS. Federal employment is arduous, especially without connections already established in federal agencies. My internship experience and MPA degree allow me to take my first steps into the Federal Sector and will hopefully allow me to achieve my goals.
Jason Spokas
Jason Spokas