Deputy Division Chief Special Security Programs at Department of Homeland Security
Wounded warrior overcomes combat injuries to serve his nation again.
By Warren Duffie

Federal employees lack discipline and leadership skills. They seek cushy positions because they’re afraid to roll up their sleeves and work hard. Those are only a couple of the stereotypes tossed about in today’s anti-government climate.

Not so, says Alvin Shell. This hard-charging former Army captain was a member of the military police, completed officer candidate school and survived horrible combat injuries in Iraq. He’s built to excel.

“The military taught me how to step up and lead,” said Shell, 34. “When I was enlisted, I used to watch my sergeants and lieutenants to see what leadership skills worked. Then I attended OCS at Fort Benning – a mecca for Type A personalities. If you didn’t step up and take charge, believe me, someone else would. Those experiences still motivate me to be successful and have an impact in my civilian job.”

On the Job
Shell works for the Department of Homeland Security as deputy division chief of Special Security Programs. Based at the agency’s Washington, D.C., headquarters, he helps manage the daily operations of the classified facilities of various agencies within Homeland Security. His division is tasked with processing sensitive intelligence information and sharing it between agencies.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is that I can still serve my country,” Shell said. “There is a strong sense of mission and purpose.”

In Uniform
After graduating in 2000 from Virginia State University with a bachelor’s in sociology, Shell enlisted for two reasons: Members of his family had served in the military since World War I, and the signing bonus would help him pay off school loans.

Shell completed basic training and military police school at Fort Leonard Wood. In 2002 he was accepted into and completed officer candidate school. In 2004 he served in Iraq as part of a unit conducting combat patrols and convoy security. He was wounded after the Battle of Fallujah, suffering third-degree burns on 30 percent of his body.

The Transition
During his recovery stateside, Shell spent much time job hunting. He also worked with the Wounded Warrior Project, which sent his résumé to a host of federal agencies, including Homeland Security.

“I actually received a call from my future boss a day after I had completed surgery,” Shell said. “He said he liked my experience and military background. I told him I couldn’t jump out of planes anymore, but he reassured me that they didn’t need me to jump out of anything. After another phone interview, I was hired.

“The pay and benefits are great,” he continued. “I have my VA benefits in addition to my federal benefits. Considering what I’ve been through, I’m very fortunate to have such a satisfying civilian career. People said I would never walk or talk again, but thanks to the support of my family, here I am helping to make a difference.”

“I actually received a call from my future boss a day after I had completed surgery,” Shell said. “He said he liked my experience and military background. I told him I couldn’t jump out of planes anymore, but he reassured me that they didn’t need me to jump out of anything. After another phone interview, I was hired.

What Shell Likes About His Job

• I work with great people.
• I enjoy working in D.C. It’s a fascinating city.
• My job has an impact and is part of a noble mission.              

Shell’s Advice

1. Stress your military skills and leadership.
2. “The civilian world needs leaders and looks to the military for them. Show what you’ve learned and what you can bring to a company.”
   
3. Work your butt off. “Just because you were in the military, no one is going to hand you anything. Demonstrate the same work ethic and commitment that helped you in uniform.”

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
HQ: Washington, D.C.
Employees: 216,000
2010 budget: $55.1 billion
www.dhs.gov

Did You Know?
With more than 200,000 employees, the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest Cabinet department, after the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.