At Diligent, we draw on a unique & dedicated team of professionals with a balanced set of skills and experiences gained in military service, strategy consulting, risk management, and operational improvements for government and industry clients.
J.Michael Barrett
Principal
Mike is a national security expert and noted author with an extensive background in defense policy, military intelligence, and support to US counter-terrorism operations. His extensive national security credentials include serving as the Director of Strategy for the White House Homeland Security Council, Intelligence Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Senior Analyst for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mike has been interviewed on television and radio by ABC, The Canadian Broadcast Company, Fox News, FRONTLINE, MSNBC, NBC, NPR, The New York Metro News, New York Sun, and The Washington Post. He also is the co-author of two books on security and counter-terrorism (including a New York Times Best Seller) and has authored more than a dozen journal and opinion-editorial articles.
A former Fulbright Scholar to Turkey, Mike is an Occasional Guest Lecturer at National Defense University, Georgetown University, and Joint Special Operations University. He received an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C., and an M.B.A. from the Australian School of Business in Sydney, Australia. He also was graduated cum laude with a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.
Jeff Brown
Consultant
Jeff Brown is a defense analyst with extensive experience in national security studies and systems engineering, including service as the science and technology adviser for the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group in Baghdad, Iraq.
A former engineering systems analyst with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), Jeff has managed projects and conducted briefings for senior military and civilian leaders. During his career he had developed extensive expertise in:
- Counterinsurgency and Asymmetric Warfare
- WMD Counter-proliferation
- Strategic Nuclear Systems
- Homeland Security Assessments & Training
As a part of the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group, he conducted threat assessments and developed rapid solutions for US Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. While at APL, Jeff served as project manager on several Defense Threat Reduction Agency initiatives focused on developing prevention and response options to loose nuclear weapon scenarios. In support of State and Local governments, Jeff was instrumental in developing a proprietary methodology for assessing jurisdictional homeland security preparedness and improving resource allocations. Additionally, he spent five years as a subsystem engineering analyst on the Trident nuclear submarine platform.
Jeff received a Master of International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) while studying in Bologna, Italy. He also holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, both from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Jeff maintains current Top Secret security clearance.
John Thorne
Consultant
John Thorne is a noted strategic and counterinsurgency expert with an extensive background in national security and stability operations, with service as a Department of Army Civilian in Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a Social Scientist with a Human Terrain Team (HTT) at FOB Spin Boldak.
John’s multi-dimensional expertise and efficient operational style combines academic theory with real-world experience to provide operationally relevant insight. He specializes in:
- Unconventional Research Methodology
- Cross-Disciplinary Analysis
- Strategy Development and Implementation
- Counterinsurgency and Stability Operations
During John’s 13 months in Afghanistan he supervised, managed, and coordinated HTT staff and resources to analyze, and present operationally relevant socio‐cultural research through extensive dismounted patrols and field interviews. John advised battlespace-owning Brigade and Squadron commanders and staffs on cultural, political, economic, and development issues during counterinsurgency and stabilization operations. For his accomplishments he was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Medal.
John was also a Senior Research Fellow for the Afghanistan Congressional Communications Hub and research assistant for Dr. David Kilcullen, supporting creation of the Counterinsurgency and Advisory and Assistance Teams. John was also a consultant to the World Bank Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Group.
John received an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C. and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Chicago, graduating with honors.
John maintains a current Secret security clearance.
J.Michael Barrett
Jeff Brown
John Thorne