In the fast-paced world of national security, intelligence, and homeland security, recognition often goes unsung—but we know there’s someone on your team who deserves the spotlight. The 2025 INSA Charlie Allen Achievement Awards are here to honor early-to-mid-career professionals making remarkable contributions across government, industry, military, and more. Whether it’s a rising star shaping the future or a mentor guiding tomorrow’s leaders, now’s the chance to give them the credit they deserve.
Submitting a nomination is quick and easy—just download the form, fill it out, and email it to achievement@INSAonline.org by COB Friday, November 1. From groundbreaking scientists to dedicated first responders, each award celebrates excellence in key areas like leadership, impact, and mission success. Help spotlight the talent fueling our nation’s security efforts by nominating a colleague today!
Layoffs: BOeing
Boeing has announced plans to cut about 10% of its workforce—roughly 17,000 jobs—as it grapples with financial losses, delayed aircraft launches, and a costly machinists’ strike that has now entered its fifth week. The company also confirmed that the launch of its 777X wide-body aircraft will be postponed until 2026, pushing it six years behind schedule due to recent structural issues.
In a tough statement, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg highlighted the need for “structural changes” to keep the company competitive, but the timing has added strain on Boeing’s already-tense relationship with the machinists’ union. With Boeing dealing with the impact of the strike, Ortberg has a steep road ahead in stabilizing the company amid these overlapping challenges.
Hiring: Galois
Galois, Inc., a Portland-based defense contractor with a growing footprint in Dayton, OH, has secured a $12.6 million DARPA contract for the COOP (Continuous-correctness On Opaque Processors) program. This initiative aims to enhance software reliability, a critical aspect of defense tech today. Nearly a third of the work for this project will be conducted in Dayton, signaling potential job growth and new hiring for the company’s Dayton team.
With this contract, Galois continues to solidify its role in cutting-edge software assurance, supporting not only the Department of Defense but also high-profile clients like Amazon. This expansion in Dayton is part of Galois’ ongoing growth, leveraging its local team to tackle DARPA’s software validation goals and address challenges in performance, efficiency, and security in microchip design. Expected to wrap up by April 2026, the contract positions Dayton as a vital hub for the company’s innovative defense solutions.
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Opportunity to Watch
The Navy Submarine Industrial Base (SIB) program has officially launched the John D. Haynes School of Welding Technology at Mount Vernon High School in Indiana, a strategic step to tackle the skilled labor shortage affecting submarine production. A joint effort by BWX Technologies (BWXT) and BlueForge Alliance, this innovative program enables high school students to graduate with both a diploma and a welding certification, fast-tracking them into BWXT’s Nuclear Operations Group—an essential workforce supporting U.S. national defense.
This welding school isn’t just about filling job openings; it’s about creating high-impact, career-focused pathways for young people to contribute directly to national security. As Matt Sermon, Executive Director of Program Executive Office Strategic Submarines, noted at the opening ceremony, “The skills learned here are critical to building and maintaining the submarines that will safeguard our shores for generations to come.” With capacity for 60 students each year, the school addresses a pressing need for 140,000 skilled workers over the next decade, positioning this high school in Indiana as a vital pipeline for America’s undersea capabilities and setting a benchmark for similar programs nationwide.
