How Identity Has Influenced An Agency Counsel's Career At The Department Of Defense
Andrew's veteran status significantly impacts their work as a Department of Defense civilian attorney, providing "more empathy for the individuals" they work with, particularly those seeking security clearances. This perspective, coupled with a strict adherence to "a certain rule set of behavior and standards," allows for a balanced approach that leverages their unique experience to better serve the Department of Defense.
Veteran, National Security, Government, Law, Empathy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Andrew Henderson
Agency Counsel
Department of Defense
Bates College
Pepperdine University School of Law (JD); University of Redlands School of Business (MA); Army JAG School (LLM)
Political Science, American Studies
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Took Out Loans, Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Empathy and Perspective: Andrew's veteran identity allows him to approach his work with greater empathy, understanding the backgrounds and motivations of those he works with, which are primarily Department of Defense employees.
2. Balancing Perspectives: He skillfully balances his empathy with the necessary application of rules and standards for security clearances, highlighting the complexities of his role.
3. Unique Skillset: Andrew's experience as a veteran provides a unique perspective and skillset valuable in his position as Agency Counsel at the Department of Defense. This makes him a better attorney, according to his own assessment.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a veteran, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Being a veteran affects the more recent part of my career. While I was on active duty earlier, for the last eight years as a veteran and a DoD civilian attorney, my perspective as a veteran gives me more empathy for the individuals I work with.
I understand much better where they come from. Not all applicants for security clearances are veterans, but plenty of them are. Even those who are not veterans are civilians working to help the Department of Defense and the United States.
I look at these individuals from the perspective of someone who has been serving for a long time. I respect and appreciate what they are trying to accomplish.
At the same time, I'm applying a rule set of behavior and standards required of individuals holding security clearances. I try to balance both. Having been there presents empathy for me, and I believe it makes me a little better at what I do.
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