By John Robert Morton, Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison, and Todd W. DeVoe, AMU Graduate
Higher education does more than award degrees. It equips people with the tools to solve complex problems from multiple perspectives.
For American Military University (AMU) alumnus Todd DeVoe, education became the foundation for a career path dedicated to training future professionals.
“I have a lot of knowledge to share. I believe that the future of learning – such as pedagogy, andragogy and heutagogy – involves a personalized learning approach,” Todd says.
Learning to be an Instructor
After high school, Todd enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a gunner’s mate technician, working with advanced shipboard weapons systems. This role required extensive technical training in hydraulics, pneumatics and electromechanics.
But life at sea came with an unexpected challenge: intense seasickness. Rather than stepping away from military service, Todd changed his line of work.
He earned acceptance into the Navy’s highly demanding Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) program, part of their elite diving community. The transition required another 18 months of intensive, high-risk training and introduced him to a field where precision, discipline, and continuous learning were essential.
The EOD field required servicemembers with specialized skills. “I competed with 250 volunteers to take the initial physical screening for dive school; three of us made the cut.
“By the time I began working as a contractor, I had many specialized skills under my belt. Sharing this knowledge with others was my best – and preferred – option.”
Training Future Professionals for Military Duties
Following his 26-year Navy career, Todd provided EOD and Counter-Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) instruction across Eastern Europe and Asia. His work helped to prepare servicemembers and emergency responders for real-world threats.
“I truly believe that what we did saved the lives of good people. I worked in Kiev shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I think what we did prepared them well, and I hope our former students are doing great things today,” Todd says.
Todd eventually became the Deputy Director of Training at EOD Training and Evaluation Unit ONE in San Diego, California, and retired in 2006.
Discovering AMU
Todd completed an associate degree in general education from City University of Seattle. That degree led to a bachelor’s degree in business from Excelsior University and then he decided to seek a master’s degree in homeland security from AMU.
“Attending AMU boiled down to the fact that I could learn at my own pace from home or on the road while I worked. AMU’s curriculum aligned perfectly with my prior experiences and education.
“I loved every minute of it. Both the professors and fellow students were like-minded and self-driven.”
As his retirement approached, Todd initially imagined a quieter future. “I wanted to mow lawns on a golf course because I didn’t have to think hard anymore, and there were always the free green fees. This line of work just wasn’t realistic, however.
“When I looked for new opportunities, I seemed to gravitate toward what I did in the past and what I did best. My experience was sought after, specifically for training new generations of servicemembers and first responders,” he says.
Todd realized his greatest value remained in the field where he had built decades of expertise: training and development. His background in EOD and CWMD instruction made him uniquely qualified to mentor the next generation of military personnel and first responders.
Todd is currently the owner and president of Twisted Aspen Consulting in Larkspur, Colorado. He dedicates his time helping develop major government and exercise programs.
For instance, Todd has provided subject matter expertise and instructor services to the U.S. Army Defense Threat Reduction Agency. He practices a diverse approach to problem-solving in many different arenas.
“When I was considering what to do next, I analyzed my skill sets and desires through the ancient Japanese philosophy of ikigai. It showed me that my path in life was learning and development. Today, I develop personalized learning plans for individuals and large organizations,” he says.
Advice to Future Students
As global demand for CWMD professionals continues to grow, Todd offers practical guidance for people considering the field of training:
- You always need to have strength in heart, mind and body.
- The lives of people you train rely on the training that they receive. Be the best.
- Be a lifelong learner; own your craft and know it well.
For Todd, education has never been limited to classrooms or credentials. It’s a lifelong process of growth, adaptation and service.
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison and has been with the University for 16 years. His bachelor’s degree in European history is from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. He also completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from American Military University. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is dedicated to sustaining lifelong relationships with university alumni by providing engaging opportunities to stay involved and connected. We work closely with various stakeholders to strengthen the alumni experience and offer numerous benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
As a team, the Alumni Affairs team works to build and sustain relationships with alumni along their personal and professional journeys. We actively look for ways to recognize and showcase alumni, telling their stories to motivate and encourage students to pursue their goals.
If you are an alumni community member and looking for ways to remain actively involved, please get in touch with alumni@apus.edu and speak with a team member.
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