Charles "Chris" Cowart, Retired U.S. Navy Captain
Ellisville,MS
Summary
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture. Consistently rated as exceptional during periodic evaluations, ranking number 1 among peers, always recommended for the most challenging high impact assignments.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Consultant
Deep Blue Consulting
02.2023 - Current
- Senior consultant to AVATAR Partners, LLC., and primary NSF Government stakeholder liaison developing the new Ready Relevant Learning MA rating A school, Tactical and Operational Leaders Development courses and the Force Protection Warfare Tactics Instructor course.
- Senior consultant to Controlled F.O.R.C.E. in the development and execution of the NSF Self-Defense and Tactics course for train-the-trainers.
- Senior consultant to Street Smarts VR weapons and hostile intent determination simulator.
- Senior consultant to Learn to Win in the development of AI developed learning solutions for the NSF and the development of NSF individual and watch team readiness predictive analysis.
- Liaised with customers, management, and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Enhanced communication among team members to foster collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders through effective communication and collaboration on projects.
Director, Navy Security Forces
U.S. Navy Active Duty- U.S. Fleet Forces Command
09.2016 - 03.2023
- Director Navy Security Forces primarily focused on Force Development, Force Readiness and Force Professionalization.
- Served as the NSF Community Sponsor supporting man, equip and train and Training Requirements Sponsor.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Responsible for 18,300 active/reserve military and a civilian workforce.
- Directly responsible for development and execution of the NSF Qualification program encompassing training and qualifications apprentice, journeyman to mastery skills development.
- Globally supported Navy component and geographic combatant commanders providing force protection.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Pioneered adoption of sustainable practices, leading to industry recognition.
- Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
Base Security Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-EURAFCENT Region
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Developed comprehensive workforce training, qualifications and assessments programs resulting in a 70% increase in readiness capabilities.
- Responsible for identification of persons entering and exiting compound to eliminate unauthorized entry and threats.
- Supervised 750 personnel performing land and waterborne security missions.
- Focused on antiterrorism, physical security and law enforcement missions spanning six geographical sites.
- Supported primary ballistic missile defense sites.
- Directly responsible for Fleet security operations for in/out bound transits, pier side protection and crew support for visiting ships, submarines and aircraft.
- Supported integrated training and assistance exercise with the Bahrain Defense Force and Coast Guard, ensuring the highest degree of interoperability.
- Received numerous best practices accolades from the EURAFCENT Commander and the U.S. Embassy
Director of Training, N7
U.S. Navy Active Duty-Center for Security Forces
10.2013 - 08.2015
- Accountable for 39 courses of instruction encompassing Master-at-Arms "A" school, Riverine and Expeditionary combat skills courses, SRF A/B courses, SERE, level II/III/IV antiterrorism instruction, Level II Tactical Coxswain, SAMI and CSWI courses and other security mission essential training.
- Managed 14 global learning sites and supervised 647 military/civilian/contract personnel responsible for annually training 20,000+ Sailors and Marines.
- Optimized staff performance by ensuring comprehensive training programs tailored to meet mission essential needs.
- Observed training strengths/deficits and initiated both sustainment and improvement programs.
- Recognized by NETC High-Risk Training Safety Office as the #1 Learning Center receiving the Safety "S" three consecutive years.
- Navigated company through periods of significant change, maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
Executive Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-NTTC
03.2010 - 09.2013
- First 6490/Security Officer to serve as the Executive Officer Navy Technical Training Center, Lackland AFB.
- Managed robust training schedules for multiple cohorts of Master-at-Arms A school students and instruction, to include MWD Kennel Master, Handler and Dog training schools.
- Oversaw risk management strategies, mitigating potential threats to the organization''s stability and reputation.
- Located bottlenecks to streamline existing processes in training and meeting Sailor needs, improve training and enhance quality of life.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Identified trends and assessed opportunities to improve processes and execution.
- Cultivated high-performance organizational culture, aligning employee goals with NETC objectives and rewarding excellence.
- Passed numerous higher-headquarters assessments with superior marks in all rated categories.
- Implemented numerous training and berthing facility development plans to include the procurement of the Tactical Training Simulator support force on force simunitions training.
Force Training and Readiness Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty - U.S. Army Task Force 134
12.2008 - 03.2010
- Assigned as Force Training and Readiness Officer supporting 3000 multi-service members at 12 mission sites.
- Assigned as Director of Iraqi Corrections Training Center and key leader engagements officer responsible for UN compliance inspections of 37 Iraqi prisons, training 2500 wardens, staff and corrections officers.
- Improved training and support for Iraqi correctional staff by building the first ever Iraqi Corrections Academy.
- Provided support during periods of high demand, ensuring smooth operation within all assigned prisons, along with the safe and humane transfer of detainees.
- Maintained strict adherence to military and industry corrections regulations.
- Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
- Directed tactical operations in complex and challenging environments during multi-day convoy operations and 96 key-leader engagements to include the Iraqi Minister of Justice.
- Coordinated activities of subordinate personnel to support mission success.
- Conducted and oversaw interrogations, briefings and debriefings.
Riverine Group One Training/Readiness Officer
Naval Expeditionary Combat Command
06.2006 - 12.2008
- Coordinated with U.S. Marine Corp Small Craft Company, Commander Camp Lejeune, NECC, NETC, CSF, NSW Group and SBT 21 and 22 to standup the training and assessments program for the Riverines, first time since Vietnam.
- Dedicated to training, certifying and deploying three Riverine Squadrons (800 personnel) to conduct forward deploy combat arms operations in support of US Marine forces II MEF forward deployed in Iraq.
- Developed a Riverine Training and Evaluation Unit, Squadron Training Teams and a highly capable Iraqi maritime forces training capability.
- Employed critical thinking skills to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions while fostering cohesive team dynamics in austere and arduous environments.
- Lead with an organized and detail-oriented manner demonstrating an exceptionally a strong work ethic to complete all training and mission assignments, safely, professionally and on-time.
Force Training & Readiness/Antiterrorism Officer
U.S. Navy Active - Naval Coastal Warfare, Group 2
02.2004 - 06.2006
- Successfully merged and trained both Mobile Security Squadrons and Detachments on both the east and west coast and NCW Reserve Squadrons conducting forward deployed point defense operations in Iraq and Kuwait.
- Developed the NCW Training and Assessment program instruction.
- Conducted 87 Command Assessments of Readiness and Training visits and 76 Final Evaluation Problem grade exercises thus ensuring the force was certified to deploy.
- Directed regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Conducted 42 Antiterrorism program inspections.
- Developed and executed the first Navy Tactical Small Boat Coxswains course at Camp Lejeune, which later transferred to CSF JEB Little Creek, Va.
Department Head, Security Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-USS RONALD REAGAN CVN-76
11.2000 - 01.2004
- Selected as the first ever CVN Security Department Head.
- Developed and executed a complex Force Protection program in a Post-9/11 environment, a program emulated by CVNs east and west coast.
- Extensive coordination with civilian law enforcement and Mayor's offices to ensure crew safety and security in heightened threat conditions.
- Collaborated with U.S. Secret Service employing security operations in support of POTUS and Vice-Presidential events.
- Served as the Command's Antiterrorism Officer ensuring the safety and security of the entire crew.
- Collaborated with fellow Department Heads to coordinate multifaceted solutions to emerging problems.
- Implemented Post-9/11 training and assessment programs and criteria considered a best practice by AIRLANT/PAC.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Lauded by Commander, USFF and U.S. Secret Service for exceptional planning and execution of Christening and Commissioning ceremonies following 9/11.
Western Oahu Regional SECO/ Department Head
U.S. Navy Active Duty-Commander Navy Region Hawaii
12.1997 - 10.2000
- Supervised 434 military Security, DoD Police, and Guard Officers at nine geographically separated locations.
- Implemented robust training, assessments and physical security programs, awarded best DoD small installation security program by JSIVA.
- Developed strong interdepartmental relationships to improve communication and collaboration across the organization.
- Developed strong relationships with civilian law enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard and other military services.
- Maintained a professional work environment by addressing conflicts proactively and fostering open communication among staff members.
Master-at-Arms -Enlisted (SR/E1 - MACS/E8)
U.S. Navy Active Duty
02.1985 - 10.1997
- Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico (Dec 1996 to Oct 1997) MACS/E-8 -Security Operations Officer, Leading Chief Petty Officer and Acting Command Security Officer.
- USS ARLEIGH A. BURKE DDG-51, Norfolk, VA (Apr 1993 to Oct 1996) MACS/E-8 - Command Investigator, Chief Master-at-Arms, Administrative Officer, Assistant Safety Officer and Damage Control Training Team member.
- Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, Norfolk, VA (Apr 1990 to April 1993) MA1/E6- Command Investigator & Physical Security Specialist, [selected as the Command Sailor of the Year 1991 and 1992].
- USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN-71, Norfolk, Virginia from (Apr 1988 to Apr 1990) MA2/E5-Command Investigator & Physical Security Specialist [attended US Army Military Police Investigator (NEC 2002) and Conventional Physical Security Schools].
- Naval Security Group Activity, Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico (Oct 1985 to Jan 1988) OSSN/E-3 to MA2/E-5 -Patrol Section Watch Commander, Special Response Team Leader, and Command Physical Security Specialist.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Major Criminal Justice / Minor Sociology
Excelsior University
Albany, NY02-2013
No Degree - General Course of Instruction
Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Academy
Quantico, VA12-2019
No Degree - Strategic And Operational Planning
Maritime Staff Officer Planning Course
Newport, RI10-2016
No Degree - Physical Security
Conventional And Nuclear Physical Security School
Ft. McCullen, AL11-1988
No Degree - Criminal Investigations
Military Police Investigator School
Ft. McCullen, AL08-1988
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Analytical Thinking
- Analysis & Evaluation
- Process Improvement
- Best Practices Implementation
- Change Management
- Failure Analysis
Accomplishments
- Legion of Merit
- (Six) Meritorious Service Medals
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- (Four) Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medals
Timeline
Private Consultant
Deep Blue Consulting
02.2023 - Current
Director, Navy Security Forces
U.S. Navy Active Duty- U.S. Fleet Forces Command
09.2016 - 03.2023
Base Security Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-EURAFCENT Region
08.2015 - 08.2016
Director of Training, N7
U.S. Navy Active Duty-Center for Security Forces
10.2013 - 08.2015
Executive Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-NTTC
03.2010 - 09.2013
Force Training and Readiness Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty - U.S. Army Task Force 134
12.2008 - 03.2010
Riverine Group One Training/Readiness Officer
Naval Expeditionary Combat Command
06.2006 - 12.2008
Force Training & Readiness/Antiterrorism Officer
U.S. Navy Active - Naval Coastal Warfare, Group 2
02.2004 - 06.2006
Department Head, Security Officer
U.S. Navy Active Duty-USS RONALD REAGAN CVN-76
11.2000 - 01.2004
Western Oahu Regional SECO/ Department Head
U.S. Navy Active Duty-Commander Navy Region Hawaii
12.1997 - 10.2000
Master-at-Arms -Enlisted (SR/E1 - MACS/E8)
U.S. Navy Active Duty
02.1985 - 10.1997
Bachelor of Science - Major Criminal Justice / Minor Sociology
Excelsior University
No Degree - General Course of Instruction
Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Academy
No Degree - Strategic And Operational Planning
Maritime Staff Officer Planning Course
No Degree - Physical Security
Conventional And Nuclear Physical Security School
No Degree - Criminal Investigations
Military Police Investigator School
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