week 1

week 1

Opening FBI NA, session 259

the main-FBI Academy building "Jefferson"

FBI-chart in front of dormitory

schedule week 1 - the most important paper

First week passed very quickly. On Monday we got our uniforms and schedules. It feeled a little bit like starting army career, but dress-code at FBI Academy is strict. I stayed with my mates for about two hours in lane to get shirts, trousers, PT (Physical Training)-wear in basement of FBI Academy. Another stone throw later all "civilians" became uniformed students of NA 259. We got badges, did the payment for graduation-kits and got order to find our sections. There are 6 sections (Klassenverbände) - each joined by probably 40 students. I checked my ID-patch and realized to  e a student in section 3. Each section will be leaded by an FBI Counselor. Our Counselor Brian is a tough guy and experienced FBI Supervising Special Agent. He gaves first instructions about the regulations and processes during our stay  within the next 10 weeks. 

my section 3

 international schedule

In the beginning everything seems a little bit strange and complex. We filled a lot of registration forms. The first days I spent the most efforts to orientate myself and find the right rooms or location. Brian went on tour but everythings seemed to look just the same. After registration processes   long term of introduction ourselves started. .First introduction was held in our sections, than moved up to Auditorium and got welcome speeches. The leaders of FBI Academy were on the spot and opened session 259. Words of welcome, congratulations, expectations, outcome and benefits. The international participants had to stand up to got applause for participation. After official welcome the international students got special order an schedule for representative duties.

International students from 24 countries

    

First day finished in the "boardroom" (Cafeteria/Bar). I talked to the internationals and our U.S. guys. The atmosphere is awesome. Everbody is friendly and glad to be part oft the FBI- program. The first days we defined our courses. I assigned for Leadership, Ethics, Behavioral Science, Investigation strategies in Violent Crimes, Officers in crisis. PT (Physical Training) is mandatory. I met my instructors and lectures – my first impressions: very experienced, high motivated, smart and polite. They delivered workbooks, course syllabus and requirements for written assignments and oral presentations. I think there are a lot of homeworks beside regular lessons.

my courses

     

Gradually I understand learning and networking approach. Each course I spent with different students. After one week I  have almost seen most of my students and recognize them on the floors. It’s still a little bit difficult to assign them to their names, but it developed day by day. Fortunately we all wear ID-patches, so I have a look at and reply when everybody greets the only German „Hey Heiko, how are you?“

However at first I was a little bit stress to find everything, to unterstand everything, to get all accesses (WiFi, Virtual Study Internet Platforms operated by University of Virginia). The U.S. guys helped on all stages. Former NA-graduates reported that the first three days at Quantico could be mad. I understand what they meant. At least the situation normalized immediately.

                

Everything is done and on a good way. All communication channels are in operation. I use Skype, Whats app and Viber to keep in touch with my family and friends.

During  week 1 I continued passing the Blue Brick Challenge and finished already 8 Miles in the pool. Sports is a good opportunity to get in contact and otherwise to balance the stress.

                                       

Swim chart

                                            

                                                                  

miles for the Bluebrick Challenge - 34 miles 

                                         

                                                 

                                           

There are the "bricks" - earned by a former NA253-graduate

                                                

                                     

Tuesday evening the first representative tasks started. The international students were invited to international dinner with their roomates from U.S. I don’t have a room-mate. I invite Captain David Centner from Ohio to join me. He was the first NA 259 student I met in preparation to National Academy. He setted up his own blog and we wrote each other before we came together at Quantico.

 Captain David Centner and me 

                                       

                                                  

There are officers from 24 countries with a broadband of experiences, different cultures and religions. We have to introduce our countries and ourselves in a short table-speach. Meanwhile I don’t care about speaking English. I do it and it works.

By the way – the food is excellent, various and always available. It’s up tou you to choose nutrition in a health way. 

  the internationals -senior officers from all over the world

                                      

                               

The first week efforted me to create structures and establish contacts. I talked a lot to officers from U.S. and the internationals. We changed Pins, business cards. I introduced my country, state and police force for a couple of times. 

 the rooms all patched with emblem and  business card

                                     

                                        

Quantico offers a really good infrastructure. They operate a PX, ATM machine and mobil Starbucks inside. The rest you need  you will  buy at larger US Marine PX or Walmart. Therefore you have to go by car.The U.S. guys like Captain Steve Lane and many others are always offererd us support to carry us by car.

  Walmart 

                                           

                                                                  

During the first week we received all requirements and schedules to prepare our written assignements, presenstations and narratives. There are about 12 paperworks and 3 presentation to prepare. It will take a lot of time after daily schedule. I bought folders an structured the different tasks, created cover sheets and started .

The first week also ensured a lot of physical testings. We participated first time PT (Physical Training - sports). My Instructor E.J. O’Malley promissed to get us fit fort the Yellow-Brick-road. He will get us ideas and new approaches to recover health. In week 1 we got an theoretical Input and briefing before we were tested by FBI Physical Training Unit (weight, blood-pressure, push-ups, line-running by audio-signals, mobility-assessment of tension). Another day later we have to pass 1 mile in time. I passed a very good result – 6.49 min even after swimming a mile in the morning and breakfest before. In week 10 all will be done once more to estimate physical development.

Fitness-Instructor E.J. O' Malley

locker room for PT -gym, pool, weight room  

                                  

                                                    

                                                                       

  gym

                                   

                                                             

 weight room

                                    

                                                          

The ongoing course- lessons are interesting. We get  a lot of information, papers, group-working, guest-speakers. We talked about leadership, ethical problems victimology and prominent, outstandig criminal cases. The level is ambitious because of speaking and thinking in English. I have to concentrate to follow and participate discussion.

 get structure with your papers

                                                     

Times passes very quickly. There isn’t really time between. Eat, sleep, learn, PT, gym, running, Blue Brick Challenge,  talk to and at the end of day go for a beer in the board-room. 

Additionally I was requested to take photos for the yearbook. Each NAsession gets a yearbook. I have to take photos of my section 3. 

At end of week 1 I established contact to Captain Matthew Ayers from Tennessee. He serves as a Patrol Divison Commander at Sevierville Police Department. We became friends and decided to visit US-Marine-Corps Museum at Quantico. So we did it with further international students.

The US Marine Corps Museum is an exhibition related to the history of the US Marine Corps from beginning until now.

Interstate

                                    

USMC Museum Quantico

                                    

                                                

France, Albania, Thailand, U.S., Germany - photo taken by Brazil

                                     

We faded out week 1 in the boardroom. Matthew proposed to take me for an upcoming weekend to Tennessee. He will introdruce me his Police-force and go for patrol. Looking forward.

end of week 1 - update next week - kind regards to Germany and all other friends and colleagues