2nd lt. works toward job in CIA, FBI

By Mark Payne

Staff Writer

Second Lt. Brandon Joseph Smith wants to be in the CIA or FBI. While working toward his goal, he is getting some relevant job experience.

Second Lt. Brandon Smith aspires to join the intelligence committee when he leaves the Army. Smith has worked for NCIS and the Army International Affairs Unit at the Pentagon. Photo by Ryan Stone

The Nazareth, Pa., native’s branch is military intelligence, and his goal is to have the experience and clearance to enter into one of the intelligence branches once he transitions into the civilian world.

To prepare for his career, Smith has worked internships. The first was the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., working with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. There he worked in the inspector general’s office, doing internal affairs work.

“The purpose of the inspector general’s office is to make sure everyone is doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” the Liberty University graduate said.

During his three weeks at the Navy Yard, Smith made an important contact that got him an internship with the G2/5/7 Army International Affairs Unit in the Pentagon.

At the Pentagon, Smith helped collect data for briefs, made country profiles, which were put into one-page reports, broken down into sections and sent to Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey. The goal of the reports was to prepare Casey and his staff for foreign visitors.

Smith also helped plan meetings and make other arrangements. He said he feels working with the individuals in the Pentagon helped him.

“The people I met in the Pentagon were brilliant, brilliant people,” he said. “It has enhanced my ability to be a professional in the military.”

Sgt. 1st Class Greg Brown, drill sergeant for 3rd Platoon, 4th Squad, describes Smith as dedicated and motivated.

“He is a professional young officer ... and he is getting a lot of good experience from this,” he said.

Smith has big goals, but for now his focus is at Fort Knox, serving his country at LTC as the squad tactical officer for 3rd Platoon, 4th Squad.

“Time and time again I’ve bumped into people and my experiences have taught me, reiterated and reinforced the fact that you are here for your Soldiers and not for yourself,” he said. “Those ambitions that I have for myself, I’m keeping them on the back-burner.”