Securing the Nation, Yourself , and the Bag: Imann Fletcher Discusses a Career in National Security
Many of us have misperceptions about what it means to serve in the military. Like other career trajectories, the military can come with multiple benefits.
By Norrell Edwards — September 20, 2023
We are picking up where we left off with Imann Fletcher, an Intel Analyst who is based in the Washington D.C. area. In Part II our interview will cover misconceptions of the military and its benefits for career advancement. Please remember this interview is a reflection of solely Imann Fletcher's opinions and insights; this interview does not reflect the thoughts, feelings, opinions of any past, present or future client, employer or any other entity affiliated with Imann Fletcher.
Perceptions of Deployment
Dr. Norrell Edwards:
I think some Americans have certain perceptions of the military as dangerous or scary — the fear that you might get shipped off to war any minute. The U.S. has been embroiled in war for decades now—can you talk a little bit about the reality of being in the military?Imann:
Most people in the military never see war and won't be deployed. Less than 10% of all military forces see deployment to combat zones. That's across all the branches. That number is significantly lower for just the army.I:
Being deployed to a combat zone is contingent on your Military Occupation Specialty (M.O.S.), also known as your job. Some jobs are support roles and are not needed or required to go to combat zones. Infantry or Special Operations are your 'boots on the ground' kind of jobs. Your job really influences your chances of deployment. I did not know that going but now that I'm in, I'm better aware.I:
Originally, I started out as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. I fixed Humvees or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) and the Light Tactical Vehicles (LTVs); those are the diesel vehicles in the military. Since then, I have switched to an Intelligence Analyst. Now my role in the military better reflects and is parallel to the work I do in my full-time job.N:
Ok, so your job in the military can also change. You don't have to be stuck in a specific role there either.Do Your Research
N:
I'd bet a lot of people don't know much about military infrastructure. Speaking for myself, as someone who doesn't have any family with a military background—I know very little about it. I consider myself a fairly well-educated person. Many of us could benefit from better understanding how the military works.I:
If you're interested, do your research. Check out the different jobs in the military; it's just like the civilian world.N:
I had met a girl going to dental school at Columbia who signed up for the Navy. That was the first time I realized the military must need professions besides soldiers, pilots, and marines. Health care professionals are needed including specialized ones like dentists. The navy would pay for part of her degree which I'm sure was expensive.N:
N: The military can be a beneficial entry point for your career—if you don't have moral qualms about the U.S. defense system as a hegemonic force. Hegemonic meaning "a ruling or dominant force in a political or social context." The military can provide access to connections, tuition remission benefits, valuable experience and especially an affiliation to the policy world.Major Takeaways
Many of us have misperceptions about what it means to serve in the military. Like any other environment, the military is a diverse space. If you're interested in potentially joining, do your research. Like other career trajectories, the military can come with multiple benefits.
Norrell Edwards
Norrell Edwards is a scholar, educator, and communications consultant for non-profit organizations. Her employment experience and research interests place her work at the nexus of global Black identity, cultural memory, and social justice. Norrell graduated with a BA in English Literature from Hunter’s College followed by a PhD from the University of Maryland, College Park in 20th and 21st Century Black Diaspora Literature.
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