Marcus Curtis: Master’s Degree, National Security Studies On a typical day as an aircraft maintenance officer, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Marcus Curtis performs many duties – large and small. He prioritizes maintenance tasks and supply issues, for instance. He also prepares a daily aircraft material readiness report, the central planning document for his squadron. Regardless of the kind of task, he knows he’s playing a much larger role in our nation’s security. “When working in an aircraft hanger or transporting fuel to another aircraft, it’s easy to feel far removed from the larger issues of today – like fighting Iraqi insurgents or assisting natural disaster victims,” says Curtis, who recently earned a master’s degree in national security studies from American Military University (AMU). He now has a better sense of the larger picture. “My professors at AMU helped me understand the importance and complexity of our national security policy – and how to convey complex security matters to my squadron,” Curtis adds. Before enrolling at AMU, Curtis served as a policy analyst intern at the office of the secretary of defense for African affairs at the Pentagon. He conducted research on the impact of non-governmental, for-profit military services companies in African civil conflicts. Eventually, Curtis plans to use this experience and his degree to earn a position in the intelligence community. He hopes to be an African-area analyst for the CIA or DIA. “AMU has helped prepare me in so many ways,” says Curtis. “I have a comprehensive understanding of U.S. national security policy, peace and conflict and homeland security issues.“ Curtis’ graduate studies focused primarily on conflict and security in sub-Saharan Africa. His interest in African affairs has not waned since graduation. “I have a large map of Africa in my office,” says Curtis. “It helps me keep in mind the broader context of national and international security affairs.” He recently did extensive research on the conflicts in Congo and Rwanda. His paper, “Raison d’Etat Unleashed: Understanding Rwanda’s Foreign Policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” was published in Strategic Insights. This monthly electronic journal is produced by the Center for Contemporary Conflict, at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. (http://www.ccc.nps.navy.mil/si/2005/Jul/curtisJul05.asp.) Curtis remains in touch with one of his AMU professors, Michael Collier, a retired Coast Guard commander who earned his doctorate in international relations. “I continue to seek his career advice. Along the way, we’ve developed mutual respect,” he says. “Dr. Collier and AMU challenged me to see the bigger picture,” says Curtis. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished – and know I’m prepared to do much more.” Curtis is based at the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 (VMGR-352) MCAS Miramar in San Diego. He oversees 120 personnel and the maintenance of 12 KC-130s. The unit recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Other missions have included tsunami relief in Southeast Asia and transporting Marines and cargo for hurricane relief operations in New Orleans. | 
