Bethpage Native Is an Information Warrior in Training

LongIsland.com

“My dad taught me to keep my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut,” said Shapiro.

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Petty Officer 3rd Class Max Shapiro of Bethpage, NY. Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller

Those serving at The Information Warrior Training Command (IWTC) in San Diego believe in the importance of continued education. Sailors are trained in areas they’ll need to execute information warfare throughout their military service.

One of the sailors continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Petty Officer 3rd Class Max Shapiro, an information systems technician responsible for setting up computers, updates, a lot of data processing, creating accounts, and making sure everyone’s internet works.

“I never did radio before coming here,” said Shapiro. “Here I am learning an extra information technology side that I didn’t have before. It is helping me for advancement in rank and helping me have a better understanding than I did before.”

Shapiro is a 2014 Bethpage High School graduate and native of Bethpage, New York.

According to Shapiro, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bethpage.

“My dad taught me to keep my eyes and ears open and my mouth shut,” said Shapiro. “I also learned to always pay attention to the detail because if something goes wrong someone’s life could be on the line.”

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Each year the CIWT domain trains approximately 20,000 students comprised of military members from all branches and Department of Defense civilians. Throughout the program, participants can take any of the 200 classes offered to prepare them for battle.

The CIWT domain along with all other Navy training commands are transforming and innovating their training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program that uses modern personnel management and training systems to recruit, develop, and retain sailors for the future of the Navy. RRL delivers a modernized learning continuum that aligns training with fleet requirements and warfighter needs. The long-term vision of RRL is to take modernized training to the point of need in the fleet at the waterfront.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Shapiro is most proud of being in the Navy.

“When I first joined a lot of people thought I couldn’t do it,” said Shapiro. “To put on the uniform and say I did it is probably my greatest achievement.”

For Shapiro, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations.

“My dad was prior Navy, my grandfather served in WWII, and my brother is in school for the Navy,” said Shapiro. “The Navy is a tradition, I like to continue the legacy of my family’s name in the Navy and do my namesake justice while I do my time.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Shapiro, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means we are protecting our waters and making sure our families are safe back home,” said Shapiro. “We sacrifice big events at home while we are thousands of miles away to make sure the rest of the country is safe.”