Michael Lester

As an OSINT SME advised senior analysts and leaders based on intelligence findings.

• Kept abreast of technological advancements incorporating innovative approaches into daily workflows.
• Enhanced team efficiency by streamlining research, collection, and exploitation processes and implementing new reporting mechanisms.
• Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders across DoD, promoting collaboration on intelligence matters.
• Evaluated source reliability and information credibility, ensuring standardization of source characterizations in reporting.
• Improved internal communication channels by developing standard operating procedures for efficient information flow among team members.
• Supported military operations through real-time tactical open source intelligence updates, enhancing situational awareness for headquarters and component leaders and deployed units.
• Collected, exploited, and disseminated various forms of publicly available information in direct support of Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIRs)data.
• Developed high-quality Open Source Intelligence Reports (OSIRs) for analysts and decision-makers, contributing to situational awareness and informed decisions.
• Supervises team of OSINT collectors to include 24/7 watch standers providing tailored Indications and Warning (I&W) support to the Joint Operations Center analysts and leaders.
• Utilized advanced tradecraft and technical tools for effective data collection and exploitation for analysis.
• Mentored junior analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the team.
• Charter member of the Defense Open Source Council (DOSC) and sub-committees.
• Maintains key relationships with National and Defense level IC partners.

• Served in a variety of roles at multiple commands. Tours of duty included USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69), Commander Light Attack Wing, NAS Lemoore CA, Seal Team Three Coronado Ca, USS Merrill (DD-976), FOSIF WPAC Japan, USS Valley Forge (CG-50), USS Lake Erie (CG-70), and JICPAC Hawaii. Participated in multiple campaigns in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf to include combat tours in Operation Praying Mantis and Operation Desert Storm as well as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF).