From Active Duty to Contracting and the NG with SGT | Sam Rybeck

Description:

In this episode of Part-Time Hitter, I sit down with Sam Rybeck, a Senior Relationship Manager at Clear Ridge Defense (https://clridge.com/).

We get into Sam’s experiences transitioning from military service to civilian life, his role as a Signal Intelligence Analyst in the Army, and the importance of mentorship and community for service members navigating their careers.

Sam’s Background

• Sam Rybeck currently serves as the Senior Relationship Manager for Clear Ridge Defense, based in Baltimore, Maryland.
• He began his career in the United States Army as a Signal Intelligence Analyst supporting the National Security Agency at Fort George Meade.
• After transitioning from active duty in 2021, Sam supported the United States Cyber Command J33 current operations cell.
• He now drives recruiting, outreach, and engagement full-time for Clear Ridge Defense while serving in the Maryland National Guard.

Understanding Signal Intelligence

• Sam talks about the role of a Signal Intelligence Analyst, explaining that this position involves collecting, analyzing, and disseminating foreign signal intelligence.
• Sam emphasizes that the work can range from intercepted radio communications to non-communication electronic signatures and chemical signatures in the atmosphere.
• He shares how he enlisted in the Army with a basic understanding of the job and how his experiences shaped his career.

Sam’s Military Experience

• Sam recounts his time at Fort Meade and describes his unique path compared to his peers.
• While most of his fellow analysts went to traditional line units, Sam found himself embedded within the intelligence community.
• He reflects on the challenges of transitioning out of active duty and the impact of mentorship on securing a civilian role.

Transitioning to Civilian Life

• Sam discusses the importance of networking and how he ultimately joined Clear Ridge Defense, where he has found fulfillment in helping service members make similar transitions.
• He talks about his current role in the Maryland National Guard, describing it as a valuable experience that allows him to maintain a connection to the military while pursuing a civilian career.
• Sam provides insight into the balance between his military commitments and civilian responsibilities, noting that his unit is predictable and supportive.

Advice for Service Members:

• Sam emphasizes the significance of leveraging military experience to navigate challenges in both military and civilian environments.
• He advocates for strong support systems that can help service members successfully transition to civilian life.

Resources

Clear Ridge Defense: https://clridge.com/

Part-Time Hitter is a collaborative initiative by Friendly Forces and The Fratty Guard.

http://friendlyforces.org

http://thefrattyguard.com