Benjamin Dao
Sneads Ferry,North Carolina
Summary
With 20 years of experience in managing, executing, and supporting joint intelligence operations across multiple domains. Detail-oriented and results-driven Imagery Intelligence professional who possesses proven expertise in spearheading complex projects, managing large teams, and optimizing operational efficiency. Strong analytical skills, combined with exceptional leadership and management abilities. Experienced in Commercial and National Technical Means (NTM) Imagery Exploitation, Geospatial Analysis, and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) portfolios.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
USMC IMAGERY CHIEF
II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (MEF) COMMAND ELEMENT
07.2023 - Current
- Provided subject matter expertise in the employment of Imagery Intelligence and Geospatial Intelligence for Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) and support to Joint and Operational Exercises contributing to the interoperability with partner nations and joint enablers across the enterprise by preparing and reviewing policies from II MEF and HQMC providing GEOINT information management capability to Marine Air Ground Task Force, Intelligence, Surveillance and Enterprise.
- Coordinated and validated II MEF GEOINT requirements with MSCs fielding internal and external Request for Information (RFI) supporting exercises and emerging crisis' by managing Multi-Intelligence, Processing Dissemination Node providing Full Motion Video phase analysis production, Imagery Intelligence production and research of Publicly Available Information (PAI) reports supporting II MEF Intelligence Operations Center and Naval Forces Europe Operations.
- Validated and coordinated Imagery and Geospatial Intelligence RFIs supporting MSCs ranging from operational to tactical environments within II MEF fielding key intelligence questions necessary for contingency operations and crisis response.
- Developed SharePoint webpage for GEOINT training from Environmental for Visualising Images (ENVI), National Geospatial - Intelligence Agency, II MEF Regional Intelligence Training Center and Marine Corps Training Information Management System, empowering and accelerating information, data management and streamlining registration for intelligence professionals.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in high demand environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
INTELLIGENCE CHIEF
UNMANNED AREIAL SQUADRON 3
05.2022 - 07.2023
- Coordinated multi-intelligence discipline training and proficiency tailored to MQ-9, Group 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems, leveraging cross queuing capabilities to support target development, target custody and tracking to support common operational picture providing situational awareness to commanders and Command Operation Centers.
- Developed and maintained growth opportunities with joint service components in the training and proficiency continuum to enhance the unit’s maritime domain awareness and intelligence analysis to support Marine Air Group-31 intelligence essential elements of information.
- Forged relationships with the US Indo-Pacific Joint Intelligence Operation Center maximizing opportunities to embed the squadron’s intelligence analysts in key areas of emerging crises capitalizing analytical development and training for the command with anticipation of future operations outlined within the National Security Strategy.
SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR J2 COLLECTIONS
JOINT INTELLIGENCE OPERATION CENTER, U.S. INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND
07.2019 - 05.2022
- Performed and managed uniformed personnel in the art of imagery interpretation of Initial Phase, Supplemental and GEOINT note reports for U.S. INDOPACOM identifying indications and warnings of adversarial activity with National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) Support Team.
- Performed focused collection operations on key interest targets within the Area of Responsibility (AOR) identifying activity-based intelligence developing structured observation management and capturing key signatures to predict and anticipate adversarial training cycles or deployment.
- Collaborated with intelligence professionals in various national agencies, identifying new analytical theories and hypothesis to support intelligence gaps within the AOR.
- Recommended O5 and O6 level commanders with personnel staffing, training and equipment for J2 Collections and USMC detachment to achieve a balanced analytical team through talent management.
- Developed and implemented customized training programs tailored to specific needs, boosting team readiness and performance.
- Recognized for exceptional leadership in high-pressure situations, earning multiple commendations and awards throughout the tenure as Senior Enlisted Advisor.
- Facilitated strong relationships between senior leadership and enlisted personnel, enabling transparent communication channels for addressing concerns or issues.
- Coordinated large-scale events honoring military traditions, fostering camaraderie and boosting morale among service members.
U.S. MARINE CORPS DRILL INSTRUCTOR
1ST RECRUIT TRAINING BATTALLION, COMPANY D
07.2016 - 07.2019
- Led a Company of Drill instructors, transforming 1,150 Civilians into United States Marines, over 9 iterations of 13-week training program instructing course curriculums in military traditions, physical fitness and mental resiliency enforcing a teamwork environment achieving unit cohesion.
- Conducted planning and execution of administrative and logistical requirements for both permanent staff and trainees with various supporting establishments necessary to sustain intervals of training.
- Performed mid-cycle and end of cycle evaluations mentoring the company’s team of Drill Instructors influencing character development and leadership towards a common goal.
- Assisted in the development of updated training materials to reflect current military standards and best practices.
- Coordinated with fellow instructors to develop cohesive training programs that aligned with military objectives.
- Streamlined administrative processes related to recruit documentation, improving efficiency within the Drill Instructor team.
- Maintained strict accountability for equipment inventory, reducing loss or damage to essential gear throughout the training process.
IMAGERY ANALYST
MARINE CORPS INTELLIGICE ACTIVITY
06.2013 - 07.2016
- Led a team of analysts in Geospatial Intelligence Division providing federated production of facility baselines, Beach Landing Studies, Helicopter landing Zones and other various imagery intelligence products using Panchromatic, Synthetic Aperture Radar, Multi-spectral and other various national sensors and techniques.
- Contributed to the development of the Enterprise Operations Center by serving as an intelligence hub providing reach back capability and support for the Marine Corps Intelligence Surveillance Enterprise supporting deployed and garrison forces.
- Collected and produced detailed tactical planning data to support operations to counter threats against U.S national interest.
- Operated with SOCOM Integrated Survey Teams by collecting operational information, intelligence data for Department of State providing packaged data for Department of Defense. Supporting operational planners for counter-terrorism operations, non-combatant evacuations, and other rescue missions.
- Ensured compliance with legal guidelines and ethical considerations throughout the image exploitation process in accordance with National System for Geospatial Intelligence.
- Collaborated with external partners such as UAV operators or satellite providers to obtain necessary imagery resources for analysis tasks.
- Increased cross-functional collaboration between intelligence disciplines by actively communicating findings to relevant stakeholders.
FULL MOTION VIDEO ANALYST
UNMANNED AREIAL SQUADRON 2
05.2010 - 06.2013
- Completed two combat deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan (2010-2011, 2012) Led a detachment of Marines conducting Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance in a highly kinetic area of operation, exploiting Full Motion Video (FMV) electrical optical, and infrared sensors, by providing Pattern of Life analysis, Line of Communication studies and dynamic overwatch directly supporting ground force movements, raids and patrol missions enhancing the common operating picture for the war-fighter.
- Developed a dynamic training environment to simulate realistic FMV training scenarios to support service level exercises in static and live fire environments. Inducing time sensitive environment to provide analysts opportunities to prioritize their analytical decisions in high stress situations.
- Conducted fusion intelligence with motion imagery, enabling cross cues from organic, theater and national collection means, enhancing tactical intelligence capabilities for ground commanders.
- Established best practices for full motion video analysis, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness within the team.
- Participated in interagency briefings, fostering collaboration among multiple stakeholders within the intelligence community.
- Streamlined information dissemination by creating clear and concise intelligence reports for commanders and war-fighters.
- Assisted in the evaluation and integration of new technologies into existing workflows, enhancing overall analytical capabilities within the team.
AVIATION LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
HMM 161
06.2005 - 05.2010
- Performed routine phase cycle maintenance of Aviation Life supports systems, survival gear, parachutes, radios and beacons for KC-130 and CH46 platform to increase aircrew survivability in emergency situations.
- Performed the duties of Collateral Duty Inspector for all Aviation Life Support Systems, ensuring maintenance was performed on CH46E helicopters in accordance with Naval Air publications and Aircraft standardizations.
- Crewed on the CH46E helicopter as an Aerial Gunner/Observer for OCONUS and CONUS missions, including a combat deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008-2009).
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
- Performed troubleshooting and diagnosis on malfunctioning equipment.
- Completed complex repairs quickly by leveraging strong diagnostic skills and attention to detail.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Intelligence Studies-Concentration in GEOINT
American Public Military University
Charles Town, WV06.2023
Certificate in Intelligence Analysis - Intelligence Analysis
American Public Military University
Charles Town, WV06.2023
Skills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Dependable and Responsible
- Multitasking
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Skills
- Decision-Making
- Problem Resolution
- Organization and Time Management
Clearance
Active TS/SCI
Certification
- MS Office Suite
- Esri Software Suite ArcGIS
- Socet Gxp/Remote View
- Share Point Web Design
- Imagery Exploitation
- ENVI
- Enterprise Task Management System2
- Intelligence Research Repositories
- Tactical Imagery Analysis Course (USMC)
- GEOINT Professional Certification Program-Fundamental
- GEOINT Professional Certification Program-Imagery Analysis II
- Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
Languages
Vietnamese
Limited Working
Timeline
USMC IMAGERY CHIEF
II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (MEF) COMMAND ELEMENT
07.2023 - Current
INTELLIGENCE CHIEF
UNMANNED AREIAL SQUADRON 3
05.2022 - 07.2023
SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR J2 COLLECTIONS
JOINT INTELLIGENCE OPERATION CENTER, U.S. INDO-PACIFIC COMMAND
07.2019 - 05.2022
U.S. MARINE CORPS DRILL INSTRUCTOR
1ST RECRUIT TRAINING BATTALLION, COMPANY D
07.2016 - 07.2019
IMAGERY ANALYST
MARINE CORPS INTELLIGICE ACTIVITY
06.2013 - 07.2016
FULL MOTION VIDEO ANALYST
UNMANNED AREIAL SQUADRON 2
05.2010 - 06.2013
AVIATION LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS TECHNICIAN
HMM 161
06.2005 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Intelligence Studies-Concentration in GEOINT
American Public Military University
Certificate in Intelligence Analysis - Intelligence Analysis
American Public Military University
- MS Office Suite
- Esri Software Suite ArcGIS
- Socet Gxp/Remote View
- Share Point Web Design
- Imagery Exploitation
- ENVI
- Enterprise Task Management System2
- Intelligence Research Repositories
- Tactical Imagery Analysis Course (USMC)
- GEOINT Professional Certification Program-Fundamental
- GEOINT Professional Certification Program-Imagery Analysis II
- Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems
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