
About Us
Instructors

Brian Thompson
Harkcon Academy Instructor
Brian Thompson is a recognized expert in workforce, staffing and performance analysis and is currently serving as Program Manager and Senior Analyst for Harkcon, Inc., on multiple FBI and Coast Guard projects. Prior to joining the Harkcon team, Brian served as a commissioned officer in the U. S. Coast Guard. His military experience includes multiple operational assignments in maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, international training, and joint operations with the Department of Defense. His command tours include the Department of Homeland Security’s sole counter-terrorism unit and as the first Commanding Officer for a deployable anti-terrorism team that was established following the attacks of September 11, 2001. During both command tours, he was responsible for operations, training, and administration for many hundreds of Coast Guard personnel. Through his extensive outreach efforts, Brian developed strategic partnerships with Department of Defense counter-terrorism experts and provided synergistic training opportunities for tactical operators. He expertly led five large-scale security events in the nation’s largest metro-areas, including presidential protection, mass evacuation of United Nation dignitaries, and full scale exercise planning and execution.
Brian oversaw field operations in North Carolina as the Alternate Captain of the Port, Federal On-Scene Commander and Federal Maritime Security Coordinator. He led the expert multi-agency rescue planning and execution for eight persons lost at sea that resulted in their safe rescue. As the Coast Guard’s media spokesman, he sagely handled scores of media interviews, including national news outlets.
While assigned to the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Command, Brian directed all law enforcement and homeland security activities in the eastern Pacific Ocean utilizing the Coast Guard’s unmatched maritime authorities and bi-lateral agreements. He orchestrated tactical intercepts and apprehension of more than 80 vessels involved in illicit smuggling activities, including 26 through airborne use of force. He conducted international negotiations, exchanges and case package preparation with Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador. He regularly teamed with U.S. Attorneys and senior executives from other Federal agencies on proper case disposition resulting in the detention and successful prosecution of more than 300 drug smugglers. He oversaw field operations for ten specialized teams. His managerial efforts led to the seizure of more than 90 tons of cocaine, while also spearheading the historic arrest of leaders from the notorious Arellano-Felix drug cartel.
Due to Brian’s superior performance, he received numerous military and campaign awards, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and five Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals.

