1 October 2012 Re: Recommendation for former Gunnery Sgt. Josh Brown, USMC Mr.

James Hoagland 8460 Shelbyville Rd. Simpsonville, KY 40067 Good Morning, Sir: I am happy to provide this recommendation for former Gunnery Sgt. Josh Brown, USMC, and I do so without qualification. This is a candidate that I know very well, having trained him and was his Professor in Homeland Security at American Military University. The capsule of my background is that I am a former Marine Mustang (enlisted man who became an officer), combat veteran, 25+ years performing classified work "in the shadows for US military special operations units, and 12 years as a professor of Homeland Security, having taught more than 7000 students. I also possess a JD, an Ed.D., and a Ph.D. I seldom write recommendations. At best, only the top5% that requests a recommendation get one from me. My recommendations represent my reputation. I guard that. Specifically, I carefully read the job description and requirements that Gunnery Sgt. Brown provided me as to the position for which he is applying, and compared them to his qualifications Its a very close match. Here's why: Gunnery Sgt. Brown is the type of individual who can take orders and he can give orders. He can secure an area (human and nonhuman assets), validate conditions, communicate rapidly and concisely, immediately mobilize resources to accomplish one or more specific tasks, and continually perform detailed work without error. In a nutshell, he is somebody you can trust. He is rock-solid stable. He is a man you want in charge. Undoubtedly, I would expect that he will be able to find ways to improve the safety, security, and transportation functions required, and do so without being asked, because he is manifestly conscientious. Here is what I also look at, in someone requesting a recommendation from me the three Ps. Production, professionalism, and personality. If the applicant doesn't have all of them in abundance, his application gets tossed. Dont toss Gunnery Sgt. Brown's application.

Page 2 When I have someone under my command or tutelage, I want to know that I can trust them, that they can operate full bore with minimum (ideally, no) supervision, and that have the self-confidence that instills respect (and a little fear doesnt hurt) in the security function. Last, Gunnery Sgt. Brown is a man who is extremely highly principled. And, his principles are not for sale at any price. For further information, feel free to contact me (topgun88@sbcglobal.net) or (574)243-7485 (Eastern Time Zone), or at my address: 51293 Golfview Court, Granger, Indiana, 46530.. Sincerely,

Dr. Larry M. Forness, JD, Ed.D., Ph.D. Professor, Homeland Security LMF/jc
American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council