Addicted to NCIS? A career in defense forensics may be a way to take your small screen passion and turn it into real world employment. If you want to apply forensic science with a defense focus, check out career opportunities with the Defense Forensic Science Center.
The Defense Forensic Science Center is the consolidated facility that handles defense forensics and research needs. Sorry, NCIS fans. There is no Abby out there sleuthing to find the evidence behind the latest murdered Marine – that kind of scientific work is done collectively, in the Department of Defense’s joint facility.
POsitions in Defense Forensics
What kind of positions can one do in defense forensics? Defense forensic analysts examine current threats, including IEDs, and can help commanders on the ground to identify threats and terrorist networks. Called ‘forensic exploitation,’ forensics specialists for the DoD perform a variety of tasks. They are a pivotal role in supporting intelligence assets. Even with military assets returning from overseas missions, the need for defense forensic analysts both at home and abroad remains. From their home base outside of Atlanta, Georgia, defense forensics specialists can deploy to locations across the globe, using science to keep Americans safe.
Forensic science is a growing, but highly niche field, and therefore there remain a relatively small number of openings. Add the word cyber to forensics on the other hand, and you have an incredibly high-demand field, particularly for the federal government.
Beyond the world of NCIS and CID, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency – also known as CISA – is looking for a few good cyber forensics analysts. If you prefer to keep your analysis digital, you can investigate cyber incidents and vulnerabilities – think of it as cyber sleuthing at its most cutting-edge.
If you have a knack for problem solving, a love of science or cyber, and a desire to help combat threats and help meet mission principles, a career in defense forensics may be a great fit for you.
