Melinda Taylor

By the time I seriously began to consider a military career, I had already worked several jobs and had also earned two associates degrees in Criminal Justice and Travel and Tourism Management. The bank where I worked was next to a military recruiting station, and I developed a friendship with several of the Army recruiters. Over time, I heard stories about their experiences, but I did not immediately consider the military for myself. One day I realized that I wanted a career, not just a job. I visited my friends at the Army recruiting station to talk about a military career.

Initially, I wanted to be an Imagery Analyst, but when I was processed it was determined that I had no depth perception. I was disappointed when I learned the news; however the recruiters helped me to identify another career opportunity as an Intelligence Analyst in the Military Intelligence field.

I was 25 when I joined the military and served in active duty for four years. I received my Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. After this, I went to Advanced Individual Training at Fort Huachuca, AZ. I also attended training at several other locations in the US and even in Japan. I learned weapons/marksmanship, computer hardware/software, military intelligence, military operations, vehicles/drivers’ training, and combative techniques.

One of my jobs was in Collection Management and Dissemination. In that division, we posted products on a website, maintained information requests, and served as collectors of military intelligence information. My favorite job was as a Targeting Analyst while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was our job to identify, develop and recommend targets (individuals, groups, or areas). In this role, I had the opportunity to work with different intelligence disciplines (imagery, signal and human), other government agencies, Special Operations Forces, and Navy Seals.

When I left Active Duty, I spent nine months in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and then I worked full-time in retail. I realized that the military influenced my life more than I knew. I thought that after the deployment and spending so much time away from my friends and family that I was done with the Army. However there was one thing I didn’t count on - I missed my military life. I missed the camaraderie, my military family, and my military friends.

So, I chose to be a part of the Army Reserves. In the reserves I work in an Intelligence and Security office, maintaining the unit’s security requirements. In my role, I initiate the process for those who did not have a security clearance and for those who are due for periodic reinvestigation.

Thanks to the work experience I gained in the Army, I was fortunate to obtain a civilian contractor position.