Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)

Leaders have a direct impact on an organization's culture, health, and well-being. A vital component of effective leadership is a leader's ability to proactively address difficult topics and behaviors in the workplace, but do you know how to prepare for and manage these moments? You can find tips in the latest issue of the BTAC Bulletin focusing on difficult conversations in the workforce. Read it online now: https://lnkd.in/eg_fhKe2 #DITMAC #DCSA #BTAC

DCSA's employees take their roles as #Gatekeepers for national security seriously, but a pair in Western Pennsylvania have additional jobs in the community which require just as much hard work and dedication. Andrew Larimore, an inventory manager supporting the Boyers, Pa., Logistics Management Office, and his wife, Brittney, a program analyst for the Federal Investigative Records Enterprise, are deeply involved with Moniteau Youth Football and Cheer, where their children (two sets of twins) happen to participate. Andrew is coach for the Moniteau Junior Warriors, who recently won the Junior Super Bowl for the first time in over 12 years. Larimore's twin sons, Graham and Beck, both played on the championship squad and their twin daughters, Novah and Oaklyn, participate in the coed football league and cheerleading, respectively. "All age groups and cheer squads practice at the same location, which made it more manageable for us," said Larimore, who credits his wife Brittney with managing their work-life balance during the football season with their eventful schedules, two sets of twins, and coaching responsibilities from July to the end of October. "A very key role in being a successful coach is having support. That is where my wife and #DCSA has come into play. If I did not have the support of my DCSA supervisors, I would not have the opportunity to be the coach that I have become," said Andrew. Andrew and Brittney and the twins are joining the team's coaches, players and families to take a well-deserved break, but they are already looking forward to the 2025 football season. You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ekyP4W-C

Are you aware of how your personal information is being used online? Want to change your privacy settings but don’t know where to start? Check out these timely tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance: https://lnkd.in/efcupyN

You’ve decided to apply to that dream job at #DCSA – great! Going through the application process for a job in national security can mean submitting a lot of background investigation paperwork, though. Do you know where to turn for tips and advice? Start here: https://lnkd.in/dJrTWeGD

With a national security mission as critical and varied as DCSA's, it would be easy to overlook the details that go into the hard work of everyday personnel who make the agency a success. To better understand the processes within background investigations and industrial security, #DCSA Director David Cattler took an opportunity this fall to accompany a background investigator conducting field work and participated in a ride-along security review of a cleared facility. In September Cattler joined the Mid-Atlantic Region on a ride-along for a security review of a cleared facility operating under a foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) mitigation agreement. Together with members of Industrial Security, Cattler was able to observe firsthand the detailed process of securing classified information and technology by these cleared facilities. This involves reviewing security protocols, assessing access controls, and ensuring that personnel with access to classified information are continuously vetted. On Nov. 5, Cattler accompanied Special Agent Robert Patterson as he conducted fieldwork on multiple background investigations. Seeing the BI mission in action gave the director a first-hand look at the largest piece of the agency's mission - conducting background investigations. "I have worked in this role my entire career," said Patterson, who has been a special agent for 15 years, "and there have been times where agents in the field have felt a bit disconnected from senior leadership. I was excited to see Director Cattler take a direct approach to better understand what it is we do at the field level. I am very appreciative to have had the opportunity to be the first field agent to provide that experience to a DCSA director." These ride-alongs served as reminders of the role of #DCSA in both industrial and personnel security, particularly in preventing insider threats-an area where Cattler's leadership has emphasized the need for early identification and intervention. His work aligns with broader efforts to integrate cutting-edge technologies and strengthen partnerships across the defense and intelligence sectors. "Every day, I learn more about the complexity of the mission, the dedication of the workforce, and what is needed from us and the security community," said Cattler. "This makes me better able to lead and represent and advocate for the workforce." Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eYT_SK_W #Gatekeepers #PersonnelSecurity #IndustrialSecurity

It may be the season for Christmas trees and candy canes but are you keeping safety in mind while hanging those stockings and decorations? Check out these winter holiday safety tips now: https://lnkd.in/e6U2avpA

Do you know what the national security adjudicative guidelines are and why they are so important to cleared positions? Learn about the guidelines, the process and any FAQs you may need answers for here: https://lnkd.in/es9Ge3E8

It’s Bill of Rights Day. On this day in 1791. The U.S. Constitution’s first 10 amendments known as the “Bill of Rights” were ratified. You can learn about the Bill of Rights and the individual rights they entail online: https://lnkd.in/g2KKC4cP

Today is Wreaths Across America Day. DYK this event started with one family’s efforts to donate wreaths from a memorial wreath business and honor veterans at Arlington National Cemetery? The tradition spread across America as volunteers assist or donate to local sponsorship groups for wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g23dK3X

Happy birthday to the U.S. National Guard! Today we celebrate 388 years of dedicated service, which originally began as militia regiments in 1636. Learn about their history here: https://lnkd.in/dbrfpCU