John Thurman

John Thurman has a diverse work experience spanning over several years. John began their career with the US Marine Corps in 1984 and served as a Marine Corps Officer and Enlisted Service member until 1996. John then worked as a Naval Flight Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer, and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, participating in deployments and leading maintenance departments. In 2001, they attended the Naval Postgraduate School as a student of National Security Affairs. Following that, they studied Russian Language at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center from 2002 to 2003. John joined the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2009 as a Defense and Marine Corps Attaché, enhancing the relationship between the US and the Republic of Georgia. After that, they served as the Human Resources Director for the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, managing personnel and implementing innovative strategies. In 2011, they rejoined the US Marine Corps as an Executive Officer and later as a Commanding Officer, providing leadership and overseeing operations of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons. Additionally, they are currently employed by Atkinson Aeronautics & Technology Inc., holding roles such as UAS & EW Subject Matter Expert, Senior Analyst, Program Manager, and Vice President Training and Education Services.

John Thurman has a strong educational background in international relations, national security studies, history, and modern language. John obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in International Relations and National Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2003. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History & Modern Language (Russian) from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Additionally, in 2003, John Thurman attended the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center to study the Russian language. This experience suggests their interest in foreign languages and further strengthens their background in international relations.

Outside of their academic achievements, John Thurman has obtained various certifications related to aviation. John holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with Single-Engine Land (SEL) and Instrument ratings, which they obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration in April 2019. In August 2016, they also received the sUAS Remote Pilot certification from the same institution. Furthermore, in April 1988, they obtained a Private Pilot certificate with Single-Engine Land (SEL) and Multi-Engine Land (MEL) ratings with Instrument privileges. Lastly, they have the SAR Mission Pilot certification, which they obtained from the Civil Air Patrol in June 2017.