Alumni Stories: Protecting and Shaping Global Security

By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Tim Branam, AMU Graduate

As a servicemember in the U.S. Army, Tim Branam has been to a wide variety of places, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Once, a fellow soldier in Iraq asked him, “Are we doing this because it’s right, or because we want to BE right?”

This question changed Tim’s perspective on the world and has remained with him, even after his deployment in Iraq ended. What he saw during his military service awakened Tim’s interest in international relations and global security. That interest eventually led him to American Military University (AMU), where he chose to pursue a bachelor’s in international relations and global security.

A Long Road to Earning an International Relations and Global Security Degree

Tim’s road to the University was a long one. Tim began attending college straight after high school. At the beginning of his junior year, however, his grandfather became ill. Tim moved back home to care for him.

Over time, Tim lost the desire to continue his education full-time. He began working manual labor jobs while taking courses periodically. Later, he decided to join the Army to support his family and nation.

Tim served on many combat deployments and continually took on more responsibilities. That led to the Army transferring him to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), an intelligence community organization.

“I worked for DIA for several years as a subject matter expert on Afghanistan. I deployed to Afghanistan and regularly briefed policymakers and leaders within the Washington, DC region. I was fortunate to brief several presidents during this time and produced over 30 Presidential Daily Briefs,” Tim observes.

While in the Army, Tim learned that he could take some courses through AMU as a benefit while serving. From course platform to professor attention, AMU offered the perfect educational situation for Tim’s professional goals.

“My courses were online, which was good for my schedule and time restrictions. I dipped my toe in to see if I could work and take classes at the same time,” he says.

“I was grateful that I had that flexibility after I was deployed to Iraq,” Tim adds. “My professor was extremely gracious with me and understood that I didn’t always have an internet connection. I finished my course while deployed in a combat zone and conducting combat patrols.”

“It amazed me that my school would not only be so accommodating but that the professors seemed to genuinely care about my professional success,” he notes. “Throughout all my classes, the professors have been helpful and accommodating. I have also found it useful that many of the professors are or were working professionals in their fields.”

The Need for Greater Global Security: Advice to Other Students

The need for more security experts is no secret. Getting into the field can be tough, but Tim offers this advice for those students who want to enter the global security and international relations field.

“Become well educated in the industry. This education involves not only a formal education but also reading and studying the industry outside the classroom,” Tim advises.

“Focus less on getting into a specific organization, like the FBI or CIA, and push to get your foot in the door. Being a contractor at a lesser-known agency, like the DIA or the Department of Agriculture is helpful. That experience may allow you to more quickly obtain an employee position at the agency of your dreams or an internal transfer,” Tim says.

“Never stop learning. Learn new skills, subject expertise, communication techniques and anything else that makes you a more desired applicant.

“Moreover, continue learning as you progress in your field. A stagnated mind can hinder your career progression and self-satisfaction,” Tim adds.

Future Goals

With his belief in lifelong learning, Tim encourages everyone to continually have goals. As he works daily to help ensure national safety, Tim is dedicated to the pursuit of his professional goals.

“I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in strategic leadership and would love to work in the education field someday,” he says.

About the Author

John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 15 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.

About Our Department

The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.

As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.

If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with [email protected] and speak with a team member.