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BLERTA MEHANJA

803-***-**** ad3tgp@r.postjobfree.com LinkedIn Link_Mehanja

Professional Summary

Delivers independent persistence as an Information Operations Specialist by assessing, interpreting, forecasting, and considering potential threats and vulnerabilities, and plans accordingly to mitigate them. Expert in foreign cultures and languages (Europe, Balkans, RUS, Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan). Skilled in communication, cultural understanding, and enjoys strategic thinking under pressure. Has the ability to complete a task with relentless determination and self-reliance no matter the obstacle. Influences and shapes international perceptions and behaviors, contributing to national security through unconventional methods.

Talents and Expertise

Client Relationship Management

Antiterrorism & Force Protection

Target Audience & Open Source Research

Unconventional Warfare/Irregular Warfare

Interpersonal Skills

Analytic Skills

Tactical Level Planning

Program Management

Exploitation Anomalies & Trends

Strategic Planning & Analysis

Written, oral communication skills

Risk Assessment / Mitigation

Professional Experience

United States Army – Various Global Locations January 2016 – Present Psychological Operations Sergeant Regional Information Support Team, Balkans Jan 2023-Jul 2023

Successfully developed and received U.S. Embassy support for two influence campaigns tailored to a specific adversary in conjunction with Special Operations Command, Europe (SOCEUR) mission goals.

Served as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in regional affairs, providing assistance in identifying narratives and exploiting network vulnerabilities.

Oversaw and governed Mil-Mil programs in the region, impacting public perception of US Armed Forces and capabilities.

Psychological Operations Sergeant Military Information Support Team, Moldova Jul 2021-Dec 2021

Effectively developed and submitted information campaigns to educated local populous on media literacy resulting in a 3% increase of the population’s ability to identify false narratives.

Developed project plans and collaborated with project stakeholders and teams to ensure on time completion of products resulting in 90 products and a 2% positive increase of public perception of US presence in the country.

Fielded incoming customer requests and complaints, performed root cause analysis, and developed action plans to minimize impact on customers’ operations.

Performed extensive problem resolution and conflict management strategies to negotiate mutually beneficial agreements between conflicting parties.

Psychological Operations Sergeant Special Operations Joint Task Force (SOJTF IWTF) Afghanistan Jun 2020 - Sep 2020

Organized and distributed more than 130 messages across various media platforms including television, radio, and social networks to support US narrative in the country.

Developed and executed psychological operations plans, created, and disseminated information products, conducted research and analysis of target audiences, employed deception and other influence techniques.

Collaborated with team leaders to review enemy narratives and action plans, gathered OSINT and various data points, and evaluate effectiveness of friendly operations within local populations. Page 2

Analyzed future target audience behaviors, and current strategies, and developed processes to support military efforts and influence the attitudes and movements of the enemy and host population within AOR.

Leveraged Subject Matter Expertise on local cultural traditions and customs within the Afghan population to develop target audience analysis and identify key data points to drive mission critical decisions. Psychological Operations Sergeant Training within the US July 2017 - Jan 2020

Received extensive education, training, and special skills at the Special Warfare Center (Fort Liberty) and developed a strong understanding of military operations and psychological warfare/Irregular Warfare, cultural awareness/ cultural sensitivity, and interagency communication skills. Healthcare Specialist - Combat Medic Vilseck, Germany July 2016 – July 2017

Served as first responder in active military operations in EUR, administering emergency medical treatment to military personnel.

Successfully trained and mentored Soldiers in first responder and lifesaver offerings to better equip teams in supporting field operations.

Basic Training and AIT Fort Sam Houston Jan 2016 – July 2016 Attended a 10-week training program for physical and emotional preparation to join military operations. Engaged in subsequent Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to gain vital technical skills to properly function in chosen career field. Additional Experience

Financial Analyst FINCA Prishtina, Kosovo

Budget Analyst AECOM Bagram, Afghanistan

Associated Field Buyer Kellogg Brown & Root Kabul, Afghanistan Payroll Supervisor DynCorp Intl Amman, Jordan

Finance Assistant DynCorp Intl Baghdad, Iraq

Technical Proficiencies

Platforms: Windows 11, Mac OS, Various Social Media Platforms, OSR Platforms Network Analysis Tools: C2IE, PULSE

Education and Certificates

Irregular Warfare Joint Special Operations University Course Security Cooperation Course JSOU Special Operations Forces PSYOPS Qualifications Course Special Warfare Center Airborne

SERE C (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape)

Russian Language Program Special Warfare Center, Special Operations/ Psychological Operations Languages: Russian (Conversational) Albanian German Active TS/SCI

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