Previously he was a Professor of National Security and Intelligence Studies at American Military University (AMU), Charles Town, West Virginia. He is also a former Director of Research and Academic Programs at Florida International University’s Latin American and Caribbean Center. He holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Florida International University (2000), an M.S. in Strategic Intelligence from the National Defense Intelligence College (1986), and a B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1974).