Taylor Brown, Editor In Chief
Image Credit: AFIO
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is home to a vast selection of students pursuing the security and intelligence fields. Embry-Riddle’s Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) is a student organization aiming to educate, connect, and guide future United States Intelligence officers.
AFIO hosts many different events and provides training opportunities in support of its members and the Embry-Riddle campus as a whole. In the past, they’ve hosted panels with former intelligence officers, held self-defense classes, and worked with Air Force ROTC and the Student Veterans Organization to organize volunteer work opportunities.
“Currently AFIO is working on setting up December’s Downtown Surveillance Exercise. It is a yearly event in conjunction with the Prescott Police Department to teach students how to capture spies,” said AFIO President Dyanna Henriquez-Serrano.
“The most known event AFIO has conducted is a ‘field surveillance’ event. This event reveals how not to get caught while understanding who is a possible asset or threat,” stated Jared Hrimnak, the AFIO Events Coordinator. During this event, AFIO also discussed forms of transmitting messages.
Recently, AFIO visited the Prescott Shooting Range and Gun Club for a 4-hour introduction to firearms. 20 members participated in classroom learning regarding firearm safety and composition before shooting pistols in target practice. AFIO also welcomed guest speaker Ron Anderson, who discussed “Guns N’ Gals” and women’s safety regarding gun violence.
In the future, the club hopes to host emergency response trainings, game nights, and possibly travel opportunities.
Although AFIO sounds targeted towards Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS) students, anyone can join the club regardless of their field of study. AFIO is looking to increase their club population and better engage with the campus.
“I think there is confusion regarding who can join AFIO. While the title refers to GSIS majors with connections to military-ROTC and cyber students, we do not only accept these specific majors. AFIO welcomes everyone with a positive attitude and an eagerness to connect with others,” Henriquez-Serrano stated.
Members of AFIO ultimately gain a wide range of understanding about the Intelligence field, while making connections and building a community of mentors and like-minded peers.
“Members gain an experience with intelligence regardless of major, and connections that will aid them in the future in whatever career they choose,” said AFIO ROTC Representative Savannah Vega.
Henriquez-Serrano encouraged students from all over campus to come to an AFIO meeting, and experience “a connected, fun, and supportive community of passionate students and faculty who support the efforts of the United States and the U.S. Intelligence Community.”
For questions and inquiries regarding AFIO, contact Henriquez-Serrano at [HENRIQD2@my.erau.edu] or visit Eagle Life.
