Intelligence Leader Shares Journey

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- Since July 2023, Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Shook has served as Space Operations Command's Intelligence Threat Analysis Division senior enlisted leader and has been pivotal in ensuring that Space Force senior leaders and staff are equipped with critical information about adversary capabilities and intentions. His role is essential for making informed decisions regarding current and future operations.

"An intel analyst's number one priority is to 'know your target and tell anyone who will listen,'" Shook recalls from a former supervisor's advice. With this in mind, his team has actively engaged with various audiences across the organization to discuss adversary activities at all classification levels.

Shook has been in uniform for nearly 19 years, with most of it being serviced in the Air Force before transitioning over to the Space Force.

"I spent about 15 years in the United States Air Force and transferred to the United States Space Force in February of 2021. I've been an all-source intel analyst my entire career, with assignments supporting space missions, C-130 cargo aircraft, a tour as a tech-school instructor (enlisted and officer) and multiple assignments at major commands and field commands as well as USSF HQ staffs," Shook said.

Reflecting on his military service, Shook emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and how it interacts with achieving an end goal.

"Most of us are in this profession because on some level we want to make a difference and an impact, so leaders have to be able to distill intent into achievable goals for their team and explain how achieving those goals is going to accomplish a mission, make the organization better, etc.," Shook said. "Then, the leaders get their hands dirty doing whatever the team needs from them to succeed. Teams that have all those things can bond well and surpass their own expectations."

His inspiration to join the military came from a combination of influences: a youth spent engrossed in Tom Clancy novels and the impactful events of 9/11 and the early War on Terror. These experiences cemented his desire to serve and protect his country.

"I read a lot of Tom Clancy novels as an adolescent, and 9/11 and the first couple years of the War on Terror happened shortly after I graduated high school, it became clear to me that I needed to serve and be part of the bigger concept of protecting my country," Shook said.

Achieving balance between professional duties and personal life is challenging, and Shook acknowledges that it's sometimes difficult to maintain.

"Spending time with my family is first. I've got two teenage kids and making a connection with them over the things they enjoy, while sometimes difficult, is great," Shook said. "When I take time to myself, I'll usually be out on a trail on my bike. I recently got involved with a local veterans' mountain bike group, and it's been fulfilling to ride with a group of people who are all connected in that way."

Balancing professional duties with personal life is a challenge he acknowledges candidly.

"Balance is hard, and you're not going to always satisfactorily achieve it. Support from family or whatever your fallback network is will be vital, both for them to be all-in as your cheer team, but also to be a trusted voice who can let you know when you need a break," Shook said.

When asked what advice Shook would give to someone aspiring to achieve a leadership position in the military, he voiced the importance of playing into your own strengths.

"There are many types of leaders, it's ok to be the type that fits your strengths and personality. People will be more likely to follow you if they can see you are being genuine," Shook said. "Understand your weaknesses and build your support team to augment those places while you work on them."

In his dual role as a leader and a dedicated family member, Shook exemplifies the values of service, commitment and resilience. His journey offers inspiration and practical wisdom for both current and future military personnel.

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