Veterans bring an invaluable blend of resilience, diverse perspectives and problem-solving skills forged through service. At the School of Public Policy, graduate student and military veteran Derek Loughrey is no exception as he applies these strengths to help shape public policy solutions. As a former fleet marine force corpsman in the Navy, Loughrey’s background provides him with a unique lens to view complex issues, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and governance, where risk assessment and cultural understanding are critical. His experience reflects the important role veterans play in advancing critical discussions and policies that drive our nation forward.
Loughrey’s experiences in the military have equipped him with skills that align closely with the demands of policy analysis and problem solving in the classroom. Reflecting on his time in the military, where rapid decision-making was essential, Loughrey explained that while his current courses—such as Professor Alec Worsnop’s PLCY610 Quantitative Analysis of Policy Issues, which teaches statistical methods—demand a more analytical approach, the fundamental skills remain the same. “My job was to analyze a patient's status based on certain markers and signs,” Loughrey shared. “Statistical analysis of data requires the same skill of looking at the entirety of the data along with more specific markers that paint you a picture of what is going on so you can make actionable decisions.” This continuity between his military experience and academic work reflects how veterans’ skills can easily translate to new fields, even those as intricate as statistical policy evaluation.
Loughrey’s time deployed in Afghanistan and Japan also gave him first-hand experience with the complexities of global governance—a perspective he finds helpful in courses like PLCY630 Governance: Normative & Political Dimensions, where he studies governance across levels and actors. He recalled the Afghan ethical code of Pashtunwali, a strong tradition of hospitality that, as Loughrey noted, “the Taliban would take advantage of, endangering innocent people.” This experience taught him how cultural nuances complicate governance, as policymakers must navigate a balance between respecting local values and protecting citizens from threats. In Japan, he observed how Okinawa’s culture impacts U.S. military presence, a factor the U.S. continually reassesses to balance strategic interests with local sensitivities.
In the School of Public Policy’s classrooms, Loughrey has found that engaging with classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds expands his understanding of systemic inequities and the political dimensions of governance. Professors Alec Worsnop’s and Catherine Worsnop’s discussion-driven teaching styles have created an environment where Loughrey feels empowered to explore these issues critically. “My classroom is filled with people from so many different states, countries, cultures and walks of life,” he said. “Hearing perspectives from others on the topics we talk about really broadens my understanding of the issues. Especially with systemic inequities that I don’t experience myself, I can get a great grasp on it through these discussions.” For Loughrey, this learning approach is essential for understanding issues he may not have faced directly, emphasizing the value of a classroom that encourages open dialogue on policy issues.
As a corpsman with the Marines, we are constantly assessing the threat and trying to think like our enemy. I can carry over that mindset into the cybersecurity world, and it helps me to understand what’s going on.Derek Loughrey
Loughrey’s insights into cybersecurity highlight how veterans’ experiences can add dimension to fields that rely on strategic thinking and defense tactics. “As a corpsman with the Marines, we are constantly assessing the threat and trying to think like our enemy,” Loughrey explained. “I can carry over that mindset into the cybersecurity world, and it helps me to understand what’s going on.” For other veterans considering a transition to academic or policy fields, Loughrey’s advice is clear: focus on the transferable skills honed in military service, such as risk assessment and teamwork, which are highly valuable in addressing the complexities of policy and cybersecurity.
As Veterans Day approaches, Loughrey’s story is a reminder of the invaluable perspective veterans bring to public service, especially in policy areas that require strategy and ethics. His experiences align with the School’s new Military Perspectives Speaker Series, led by Professor Alec Worsnop, which seeks to bridge the understanding gap between policymakers and servicemembers. The series, which features leaders like Lt. Col. Elisha P. Pippin and Col. Sapriya Childs, offers policy students and faculty first-hand accounts from active duty personnel, highlights the moral and strategic challenges of military service, particularly in asymmetric conflicts. The series aligns with Worsnop’s mission to help civilian policymakers better understand the burdens and ethical complexities soldiers encounter, ensuring they are not left to bear the moral weight of conflict alone.
Loughrey’s message to other veterans is one of empowerment and resilience: “Academic success is a skill anyone can develop. Keep a growth mindset, embrace the challenges and remember that persistence pays off. You’re more capable than you realize.”
