Texas Joint Counterdrug Task Force Ground Reconnaissance Detachment

Operator/Senior Technical Lead

The National Guard Counterdrug Program is a vital component of the nation's efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse. As a member of the National Guard, I have had the privilege to contribute to this important mission. The program leverages the unique capabilities of the National Guard to support law enforcement agencies in detecting, disrupting, and dismantling drug trafficking organizations.

Our tasks include analysis, surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational support to law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. By providing specialized skills and resources, such as aviation support, engineering, reconnaissance, and communications, we enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts to interdict illegal drugs and apprehend those involved in drug-related crimes.

In addition to our operational roles, the National Guard Counterdrug Program is also committed to prevention and education initiatives, working closely with communities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to support efforts aimed at drug demand reduction.

Through my involvement in the National Guard Counterdrug Program, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, leadership, and specialized technical skills that I bring to bear in my service to my country and community.

Ground Reconnaissance Detachment is a critical component of the National Guard Counterdrug Program, where highly trained teams are deployed to conduct surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations on the ground. As a member of these teams, I have been involved in various missions aimed at identifying and disrupting drug trafficking activities.

Our tasks include gathering real-time intelligence through observation, reconnaissance, and monitoring of target areas. We utilize a variety of techniques and equipment to gather information discreetly while minimizing the risk of detection. This intelligence is then shared with law enforcement agencies to support their efforts in apprehending drug traffickers and disrupting their operations.

In addition to surveillance operations, Ground Reconnaissance teams also play a vital role in providing situational awareness during law enforcement operations. By providing real-time updates and intelligence on the ground, we help law enforcement agencies make informed decisions and respond effectively to dynamic situations.

Through my experience in Ground Reconnaissance missions, I have developed valuable skills in surveillance, intelligence analysis, and teamwork. I am proud to contribute to the National Guard Counterdrug Program's mission to combat drug trafficking and keep our communities safe.

The Tech Shop within the Ground Reconnaissance detachment is a vital component of our mission to combat drug trafficking and support law enforcement efforts. Tasked with researching, developing, and deploying technical surveillance solutions, the Tech Shop plays a pivotal role in enhancing the capabilities of our Ground Reconnaissance teams.

Equipped with expertise in electronics, engineering, and surveillance technology, the Tech Shop team works tirelessly to stay ahead of evolving threats and challenges posed by drug trafficking organizations. They conduct research to identify emerging technologies and trends in surveillance, and collaborate with industry partners to develop innovative solutions tailored to our specific operational requirements.

One of the key responsibilities of the Tech Shop is to design and build custom surveillance equipment suited for covert operations in various environments. This includes but is not limited to, hidden cameras, video surveillance devices, Digital Cameras, Network Video Recording and other systems. These technical solutions are essential for gathering actionable intelligence and providing critical support to law enforcement agencies.

In addition to research and development, the Tech Shop is also responsible for training Ground Reconnaissance teams on the use of new equipment and technology. They ensure that team members are proficient in operating and maintaining surveillance equipment effectively, maximizing their operational effectiveness in the field.

Through the efforts of the Tech Shop, we are able to stay at the forefront of technical innovation and maintain our commitment to excellence in supporting law enforcement agencies in their fight against drug trafficking.

Accomplishments/Highlights:

Texas Joint Counterdrug Task force

Job Titles

Senior Technical Specialist/Counterintelligence Special Agent/Ground Reconnaissance Operator

WAN Network Management and Deployment: Revitalized the management and deployment of over 100 WANs by transitioning from manual, individual device setups to leveraging cloud based software and custom scripts for automating the configuration, setup, and customization. Identified and rectified a critical oversight where devices had not been updated for five years, exposing them to numerous security vulnerabilities. Innovatively designed and implemented a container-based system to deliver incremental firmware updates during optimal conditions, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity and mission continuity. Documented and developed a company standard operating procedure to mitigate the risk of this oversite on current and future technology. This strategic approach markedly enhanced network security and operational efficiency without disrupting critical services.

Cloud-Based Configuration: Transitioned router management to cloud-based platforms for enhanced efficiency and automation.
Security Management: Identified outdated firmware and mitigated critical vulnerabilities to strengthen network security.
Innovative Problem Solving: Designed a container-based update system to facilitate incremental updates without service disruption.
Strategic Planning: Scheduled updates during optimal conditions to ensure mission-critical network connectivity remained unaffected.
Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated adeptness in using advanced network management tools and software.
Developed and implemented a decentralized network infrastructure utilizing peer-to-peer (P2P) networking protocols and mesh networking principles to address inherent vulnerabilities in traditional centralized networks.
Employed advanced encryption techniques to secure network traffic, including end-to-end encryption and VPN technology, ensuring confidentiality and integrity of data transmissions.
Implemented hidden SSID functionality to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access by concealing the network's presence from external detection.
Trained Task Force members to Leverage steganography and camouflage methods to obfuscate network communication, enhancing stealth capabilities and reducing the likelihood of detection by adversaries.
Established robust access control measures, including MAC address filtering and authentication mechanisms, to restrict network access to authorized devices and users.
Engineered redundancy and resilience into the network architecture through the deployment of redundant pathways and fault-tolerant mechanisms, ensuring continuous connectivity and operational continuity in the face of disruptions or attacks.
Developed and delivered comprehensive training sessions on privacy and digital security tailored specifically for law enforcement, investigators, and task force members engaged in drug trafficking investigations along the border, with a focus on combating technologically sophisticated cartels.
Covered fundamental concepts of privacy, elucidating the intricacies of how privacy mechanisms operate in digital environments, thereby enhancing participants' understanding of privacy protection measures.
Provided foundational knowledge on security basics, equipping attendees with essential skills and strategies to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate security risks inherent in their investigative activities.

Conducted in-depth instruction on digital tradecraft for privacy, imparting advanced techniques and methodologies to ensure anonymity and confidentiality in online communications and operations.
Instructed participants on the implementation of Advertising ID resetting techniques to prevent tracking and profiling by adversarial entities, bolstering their digital anonymity and privacy.
Taught methods for MAC address randomization for Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling participants to obfuscate their device identifiers and evade surveillance or tracking attempts.
Delivered training on the intricacies of Wi-Fi capture methods, empowering attendees with the knowledge to intercept and analyze wireless network traffic for investigative purposes.
Educated participants on potential threats posed by attackers leveraging pings, probes, and databases such as Wigle or custom wardriving databases to uncover their physical locations, emphasizing countermeasures and defensive strategies.
Provided comprehensive guidance on the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and encryption technologies to establish secure communication channels and protect sensitive data from interception or unauthorized access.
Ensured that training sessions encompassed a wide range of privacy, security, and attack methodologies, equipping participants with the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of digital threats posed by technologically adept adversaries.

Implemented an innovative solution to enhance technical surveillance capabilities by integrating license plate and vehicle logging functionality into existing legacy IP-based camera systems using Open Source technology. Developed custom software modules to enable real-time detection and logging of license plates and vehicle characteristics, significantly reducing the burden on analysts and officers tasked with reviewing extensive video footage.

Utilizing OpenCV's robust computer vision capabilities, engineered algorithms to detect and recognize license plates and vehicle attributes such as color, make, and model, ensuring accurate and reliable identification of vehicles captured on video.
Integrated the developed software modules seamlessly with legacy IP-based camera systems, leveraging APIs and protocols to enable communication and data exchange between the cameras and the logging platform.
Implemented a searchable database to store logged license plate and vehicle information, allowing analysts and officers to quickly query and retrieve relevant footage based on specific criteria such as vehicle color or license plate number.
Developed a user-friendly interface to facilitate easy navigation and search functionality, enabling personnel to efficiently locate and review pertinent video footage without the need to manually sift through hours of recordings.
Enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness by providing timely access to critical video evidence, empowering law enforcement personnel to expedite investigations and proactively respond to security threats or criminal activities.
By automating the process of license plate and vehicle logging, the solution streamlined surveillance operations, enabling personnel to focus their efforts on actionable intelligence analysis and decision-making, rather than labor-intensive video review tasks.

Task Force / Technical Surveillance capabilities

Conceptualized, prototyped, designed, installed deployed, and managed advanced technical surveillance enclosures and cameras, expanding options for surveillance of persons of interest. customized and programmed electronic components like buck converters, inverters, motors, Single Board Computers, microcontrollers, and various sensors (e.g., light, PIR, multiwave, RF, pressure sensors), seamlessly integrating with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software such as Canon and Axis cameras, and Cradlepoint routers in a high voltage environment, thereby enhancing the agency's surveillance options and capabilities.

Conceptualized and designed innovative technical surveillance enclosures and camera systems to enhance surveillance capabilities for monitoring persons of interest.

Prototyped and tested custom-built surveillance enclosures, incorporating components such as buck converters, inverters, and microcontrollers for optimized functionality.
Programmed and configured microcontrollers to control and manage various sensors, including light, PIR (Passive Infrared), multiwave, and pressure sensors, ensuring precise data collection and analysis.
Integrated surveillance enclosures with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software solutions, such as Canon and Axis cameras, to facilitate seamless communication and compatibility.
Implemented advanced software configurations to enable remote monitoring and control of surveillance enclosures using Cradlepoint routers, ensuring real-time access to surveillance data.
Deployed and managed technical surveillance enclosures and camera systems in operational environments, ensuring reliability, security, and optimal performance under diverse conditions.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and maintenance of surveillance systems, diagnosing and resolving technical issues to ensure continuous functionality and effectiveness.
Provided training and technical support to personnel involved in surveillance operations, ensuring proficiency in utilizing and maintaining surveillance equipment and systems.
Designed custom quick deployable

Enhanced surveillance capabilities within the agency by pioneering multiple low-voltage surveillance solutions, diverging from traditional high-voltage installations on telephone poles. Introduced rapid deployment options that demanded minimal advance notice, significantly reducing setup time and enhancing situational awareness and security. Enabled remote monitoring of locations, bolstering operational effectiveness and responsiveness. Additionally, designed solutions that seamlessly integrated with various power sources, including vehicles, outlets, and other power outlets, ensuring interim coverage while long-term surveillance systems were planned and deployed.

Innovated and engineered low-voltage surveillance solutions, diverging from conventional high-voltage setups, leveraging expertise in electrical engineering principles and safety protocols.
Developed multiple rapid deployment options utilizing technical proficiency in equipment selection, including microcontrollers, sensors, and power management components, to streamline setup processes and enhance operational agility.
Applied advanced knowledge of power electronics, including buck converters and inverters, to design surveillance systems compatible with diverse power sources such as vehicles, outlets, and alternative power outlets, ensuring uninterrupted coverage in remote or temporary locations.
Utilized programming skills to configure microcontrollers for efficient control and management of surveillance equipment, enabling seamless integration with power sources and remote monitoring capabilities.
Integrated surveillance solutions with existing Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software and hardware platforms, including Canon and Axis cameras, utilizing proficiency in system integration and compatibility testing.
Demonstrated expertise in conducting risk assessments and feasibility studies to identify optimal surveillance strategies and deployment locations, enhancing situational awareness and security measures.
Provided technical training and support to personnel involved in surveillance operations, imparting knowledge of equipment setup, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting techniques, ensuring operational readiness and proficiency.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive deployment plans and procedures, ensuring effective implementation and adherence to regulatory standards and agency policies.

Led a successful initiative to modernize the organization's Network Video Recorder (NVR) infrastructure, identifying inefficiencies and outdated practices. Through rigorous research and strategic planning, orchestrated the migration to a new provider, achieving significant cost savings while enhancing system capabilities. Coordinated seamless transition and deployment of updates across multiple networks, demonstrating strong technical expertise and leadership skills.

Successfully identified inefficiencies in the current NVR provider, leading to a cost-saving initiative by migrating to a new provider, resulting in a $300 per license savings.
Conducted thorough research, prepared a comprehensive report, and made a compelling proposal that was approved, showcasing strategic planning and analytical skills.
Oversaw the seamless transition from the outdated NVR to the new platform, ensuring minimal disruption to operations while maximizing system capabilities.
Proactively pushed updates and software across multiple networks, enhancing system performance and security measures.
Received positive feedback from customers, highlighting enhanced capabilities and improved operational efficiency as a result of the migration.

Developed and enhanced an inventory management system using Computer vision, Database structure and QR/NFC technology for state-wide military equipment tracking, achieving compliance with Army/Air Force and DoD regulations. Implemented serial number tracking and automated inventory alerts for critical components, reducing downtime and ensuring readiness. Created computer vision software and scannable tags for efficient serial number verification, streamlined equipment issuance procedures for interagency operations, and established automated communication protocols for equipment accountability. Provided senior leadership with succinct equipment guides for inspection readiness

Engineered and deployed a custom inventory management system utilizing Microsoft Access and QR/NFC technologies, significantly enhancing tracking accuracy and operational efficiency across multiple sites statewide.
Programmed and integrated computer vision software to automate serial number reading processes, reducing manual data entry errors and improving system reliability for equipment tracking.
Implemented proactive inventory alerts based on predefined criteria (e.g., last 10 items, expiry dates), ensuring timely replenishment and continuous availability of critical system components.
Designed and instituted a comprehensive equipment issuing protocol that aligned with Army/Air Force regulations and facilitated seamless interagency equipment transfers, enhancing operational collaboration.
Established an automated notification system for inventory management, sending targeted alerts and updates to relevant stakeholders, thereby improving communication and compliance with equipment handling procedures.
Developed concise, easy-to-understand quick reference guides for equipment inspections, aiding senior leaders in maintaining high standards of accountability and readiness during audits and reviews.

Rapidly designed and deployed a multi-factor authentication web application to track personnel status during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, providing leaders with real-time updates and comprehensive overviews of daily operations. This critical tool facilitated immediate reporting of infection rates and operational statuses, ensuring robust accountability and enabling informed decision-making during a period of significant uncertainty.

Engineered and launched a multi-factor authentication web application for real-time personnel tracking during the initial COVID-19 crisis, enhancing leadership's ability to monitor and manage workforce status dynamically.
Integrated daily reporting features into the web application, enabling up-to-the-minute updates on personnel infections and operational conditions, critical for timely decision-making during the pandemic.
Provided strategic oversight and technical guidance for the deployment of the tracking system, ensuring rapid adoption and full functionality across the organization to maintain high levels of personnel accountability.
Contributed to organizational resilience by developing a tool that allowed for effective communication of health statuses and operational readiness, supporting ongoing safety and operational continuity.