The purpose of the DCTCx program is to establish a civilian training corps to prepare selected students for public service in Department of Defense occupations relating to acquisition, science, engineering, or other civilian occupations determined by Secretary of Defense and target critical skill gaps.
Students selected for the program, participate virtually in a series of national security and classification seminars, and are employed through DOD agencies.
National Security and Policy Expert / DCTCx National Security Course Moderator
Chieftain Elite
Meaghan Mobbs, PhD, is an experienced nongovernmental, policy and political leader. She’s a graduate of West Point, holds a masters in forensic psychology from George Washington University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University. A Tillman Scholar and George W. Bush Veteran Leadership Scholar, she was a Presidential appointee to the United States Military Academy- West Point Board of Visitors and is a current Gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors. She has advised numerous state and national decision-makers on defense, national security, military family policy, and health-related issues. In this capacity she’s chartered relationships with the US Government, multi-national governments, and nongovernmental organizations. Her most recent humanitarian and diplomatic efforts directly contributed to the development of a unique humanitarian aid frontline implementor concept which resulted in the validated precision delivery of aid in hard-to-reach areas of Ukraine. She is a Senior Fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum where she writes and comments on national security, foreign policy, and defense. Meaghan is known for her research into understanding the unique psychosocial stressors of service during a time of war and has frequently published on this topic. She is a former paratrooper and combat veteran who serves on the Board of multiple organizations dedicated to assisting service members in the transition to civilian life.
Leadership Expert / DALC Curriculum Developer
Chieftain Elite
Retired Colonel, U.S. Army
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (Retired) John B. VanHook is currently working as a member of Chieftain Elite Consulting, LLC as an Associate Consultant where he is supporting New Mexico State University’s e Defense Workplace Development & Defense Civilian Mentorship Micro-Courses as well as the development for the upcoming DALC and DCTC course5s.
He entered the US Army in 1986 and served for nine years as an Enlisted Soldier. He culminated his enlisted time when he graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer through the school’s ROTC program. As an Officer, LTC VanHook served for 28 years in progressive Infantry & Broadening Assignments to include multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
LTC VanHook’s civilian education include a BS in Sociology from TCU in 1994, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University in 2008 and a Master of Arts in Strategy and Planning from the US Army Command and General Staff College in 2009.
Contact Dr. Marcella Shelby, PSL Strategic Intiatives Officer mshelby@psl.nmsu.edu or 575-646-9201.
PSL is invested in the experience of our students and has included internal assessment throughout the program. Below is a sampling of the feedback we have received:
“My experience with CREW was really fun! I learned how IT differs between government and private industry (it's not too big of a difference really) and got to really brush up on my knowledge of networks, switches, routers, and learned a bit more about automation. CREW really helped broaden my view of the IT world which I'm sure will help me in my new role with Google! (Especially if they ever have a government sector.) I loved my co-op boss and my coworker. It was nice getting that team work experience under the stress of getting things done. I wish I could've been able to do it for longer, but I hope this helps Computer Science students in the future!”
“I think the thing I have liked most about CREW so far is that it has given me a new perspective on national security in the U.S. Before CREW, I had a very simple understanding of what national security meant, but now I see that it is a much more complicated issue.
It opened my eyes to the importance of national security and my clearance. Having a work experience that cares about your future and that wants to give you the best advantages they can get, is very much appreciated. The interactive approach to learning about national security. ”
“I feel like CREW is different because it has a large focus on discussion with other students, which allows for the sharing of multiple opinions and we can get more viewpoints on the topics we discuss. Unlike a boss at a job, I feel as though Jayme understands and wants us to succeed while ensuring she is keeping our interest. It’s much more focused around educating us.
CREW is a flexible program that works with your school schedule and still delivers a great program. The level of mentorship is incredible.”
Colonel (Retired) Ross E. Davidson Jr is the CEO and founder of Chieftain Elite Consulting, LLC. He and his team specialize in assisting clients with their strategic and operational planning requirements, and the mission execution solutions to deploy successful business operations, organizational program management, and leadership development. He and his team of highly skilled professionals provide program management support and specialized research and analysis support for national defense acquisition programs and associated strategic solution development.
