At ASEC, we believe that investing in the growth of our team members not only benefits them but also amplifies our ability to provide top-tier mission support to our customers. Training and professional development are the cornerstone of this empowerment, allowing employees to excel in defense roles and adapt to the evolving demands of the national security and defense industry.
In this article, we feature Ashlynn Register, a Contract Program Security Officer (CPSO) at ASEC, who exemplifies the dedication to continuous learning and building security expertise. Ashlynn’s journey at ASEC highlights how training fuels professional growth, builds confidence, and strengthens our team.
A Role Defined by Responsibility and Career Growth in Security Support
As a CPSO in the defense industry, Ashlynn is responsible for providing security compliance support across DoD contracts. Her duties encompass the management, direction, administration, and development of contract security protocols to meet the specific needs of sensitive programs. Her journey into this specialized field began with little security experience, but with a strong desire to learn and grow, she transitioned into security at Sabre Systems before joining ASEC.
Ashlynn’s commitment to professional development in cleared environments continued at ASEC, where she embraced training as an opportunity to deepen her expertise and enhance her contributions to the team.
Training and Certification: The Building Blocks of Security Expertise and Compliance
Ashlynn’s training and certifications in national security are impressive, with credentials like the Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) and Special Program Security Certification (SPSC), as well as over 50 online DoD security courses, instructor-led seminars, and security clearance training summits. When asked how these trainings supported her role, Ashlynn explained that ASEC’s encouragement played a crucial role:
“ASEC wants you to be the professional, so if that means taking as many different security courses as possible, whether it be online or in a different state—they make it happen.”
With each course and certification, Ashlynn honed her DoD security program skills and grew into a knowledgeable industrial security professional. These experiences equipped her to handle complex NISPOM compliance challengesand serve ASEC’s customers with greater confidence and skill.
ASEC’s Culture of Continuous Learning and Defense Talent Development
ASEC’s support for Ashlynn’s growth reflects the company’s commitment to continuous learning in the defense sector. Not only does ASEC provide access to relevant resources and information about training opportunities, but it also supports employees financially and with flexible scheduling, ensuring that development is accessible.
Ashlynn highlighted how this support has empowered her:
“ASEC has provided robust support through several key avenues. They’ve facilitated access to training resources and offered financial assistance or sponsorship for specific programs, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to development.”
This culture of learning encourages every team member to stay at the top of their game, enhancing their personal career development and strengthening the overall security expertise we bring to our clients.
Confidence and Expertise: The Impact of DoD Security Training on Performance
The most profound impact of training, Ashlynn noted, has been the boost in confidence it has brought her.
“Two years ago, if you had asked me a security question, I might have responded with nervous laughter. Now, I can confidently address inquiries and have taken the initiative to educate others in my team.”
This confidence has enabled Ashlynn to become a go-to resource within ASEC, allowing her to contribute effectively to her team and provide advanced contract security support to her customers.
Practical Advice for Colleagues Pursuing Training
For those considering outside training, Ashlynn has shared practical advice based on her own experience:
1. Identify Your Goals – Focus on skills that will propel your career forward.
2. Find Quality Programs – Choose courses that match your needs and offer tangible benefits.
3. Communicate with Your Manager – Share your training goals with your supervisor; they might support you financially or help adjust your schedule.
4. Engage Actively – Approach training with a positive, proactive mindset.
5. Apply New Skills – Use what you’ve learned in real situations to reinforce your knowledge.
6. Network and Connect – Building relationships in training sessions can open doors to fresh perspectives and opportunities.
Ashlynn believes that following these steps can help employees maximize defense training benefits and make meaningful strides in their careers.
A Commitment to Expertise
Training has empowered Ashlynn to stay competitive and keep ASEC at the forefront of industrial security and defense expertise. Her commitment to learning new DoD compliance standards enables her to offer innovative contract security solutions and stay compliant with regulatory requirements, ensuring our customers receive the highest level of support.
For Ashlynn, ongoing training is about becoming a trusted CPSO and security advisor at ASEC—a goal we support fully across our organization.
Ashlynn’s story is one of dedication, growth, and a commitment to excellence. By empowering our team members to pursue professional development in defense careers, we reinforce our collective expertise and ensure that ASEC remains a trusted mission partner, adapting to new challenges with knowledge, confidence, and professionalism.