Joshua Ford

About Joshua Ford

Headline:TS/SCI Cleared | Defense & Intelligence Professional | ISR & AI/ML Integration | Program & Project Management | Palantir | DoD R&D SupportAbout:Experienced defense and intelligence professional with 25+ years supporting U.S. military, government, and industry partners across ISR, AI/ML integration, and program management. Proven ability to lead complex operations in dynamic environments worldwide, including AFRICOM, CENTCOM, EUCOM, and INDOPACOM.Highlights include:TS/SCI clearance with extensive experience in sensitive defense and intelligence programs.Leadership roles as Site Lead and Deputy Site Lead, overseeing multinational ISR operations and Special Operations Command support.Expertise in AI/ML technologies (Project Maven, Smart Sensor) and advanced analytics platforms (Palantir Foundry & Gotham).Program and project management experience in contract execution, budget oversight, resource allocation, and compliance alignment.Hands-on technical background in ISR sensor operations (MQ-9, SAR, FMV, SIGINT), Link-16, cloud deployment (AWS), and cybersecurity awareness.Strong track record of training, onboarding, and stakeholder engagement with senior DoD leaders, coalition partners, and government agencies.Currently pursuing an MBA to further strengthen business, procurement, and project management expertise.

Experience

1. Senior Field Service Representative

   ECS

   Mar 2020 — Present

   AI/AR Integration & Operational Support:Served as a Field Service Representative (FSR) for Project Maven, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) program for the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence (USD-I), integrating cutting-edge technology into deployable military applications.Led AI-driven base defense operations in Afghanistan, integrating Project Maven’s machine learning technology with UAS sensors to detect and assess threats.Field Service Representation & Liaison (Smart Sensor/CDAO):Served as a critical Field Service Representative (FSR) and liaison for the Smart Sensor program within the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC), now the Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO), bridging the gap between technical development and operational deployment.Operational Integration & End-User Collaboration (Smart Sensor/CDAO):Conducted network integration and mission support for Maven architecture to enhance real-time situational awareness.AI/AR Model Development & Testing:Collaborated closely with vendors and engineers, providing detailed feedback on AI/AR models to ensure alignment with customer needs and realistic expectations.Training & End-User Support:Delivered comprehensive AI hardware/software training to NATO and US Special Operations Forces, contributing to over 150 successful AI-enabled combat operations against ISIS-K and the Taliban.Trained leaders and end-users on AI/AR software benefits and operational ease, enhancing situational awareness for analysts and ground personnel.Deployed to austere environments to train military personnel on ISR operations, AI-enhanced analytics, and sensor fusion.Worked closely with MQ-9 aircrews, serving as a sensor operator during developmental test flights and providing training on SAR sensor operation.Acted as a liaison between engineers and military users, ensuring technology met operational requirements and was effectively employed.

Education

• Western Governors University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration, Management and Operations

• American Public University System

  Associate of Arts - AA, General Studies

  2017 — 2019

• US Navy Intelligence "A" All Source School 2007 Navy and Marine Corp Intelligence Training Center

  Certificate

  2007 — 2007

• American Military University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Intelligence Studies