A Call to Service: Why Future Leaders Should Consider Federal Jobs

The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, recently spoke at The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina. She was there to talk to cadets about jobs in the federal government, especially in homeland security. She said that working in this area is more than just a job; it's a commitment to serving the country. Noem pointed out that over 23 federal agencies are looking to hire students from The Citadel. She believes that the values taught at the college, like honor, direction, bravery, behavior, and reliability, are exactly what the country needs right now. With more cyberattacks, natural disasters, and threats of terrorism, these qualities are important. The Secretary also talked about the current focus on immigration enforcement. She mentioned that there has been a big increase in people applying to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. In fact, the number of applications recently hit 200, 000 for just 10, 000 new positions. This recruitment drive is happening during a long government shutdown, the longest in U. S. history. When asked about concerns from potential applicants worried about not getting paid, Noem explained that some homeland security agencies still have funding, but others do not. She acknowledged that this can mean less administrative support for those not getting paid. Noem encouraged the cadets to think about a career in federal service. She emphasized that it's important to believe in the oath and the mission of the agency they join. This is a chance for them to use their skills and values to make a difference in the country.