From Military Operations to Counter-Terrorism
James "Jim" Feldkamp has forged a distinctive path through some of the most critical domains of national security. A former resident of Saint Petersburg, Florida who now calls Arlington, Virginia home, Feldkamp's career began in the skies above international waters. After completing his BS in Business at Oregon State University, he entered service as a U.S. Naval Flight Officer, specializing in electronic warfare operations. As a Counter-Measures Officer and Navigator for the EA-6B aircraft, Feldkamp participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, flying from the deck of the USS Midway in 1991 to conduct critical electronic warfare missions that supported coalition objectives.
The transition to the U.S. Naval Reserves marked a pivotal moment in Feldkamp's career trajectory, opening the door to his work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As a Special Agent in Norfolk, Virginia, he brought unique aviation expertise to his investigative responsibilities. His role as a founding member of the Joint Counter Terrorism Task Force came at a transformative period in American security operations. As one of only three pilots authorized to conduct aerial surveillance in the Norfolk office, Feldkamp developed specialized techniques for monitoring suspects in both traditional criminal cases and emerging terrorism investigations.
Public Service and Maritime Intelligence In 2004, Feldkamp redirected his energies toward public service through the political arena. Resigning from his FBI position, he campaigned as the Republican nominee for Oregon's District 4 Congressional seat during consecutive election cycles in 2004 and 2006. While these campaigns did not result in electoral victory, they provided Feldkamp with valuable insights into public policy formation and the practical challenges of governance, perspectives that would later inform his academic work.
The year 2007 saw Feldkamp recalled to active Navy reserve duty for a specialized assignment that leveraged his unique combination of skills. Tasked with helping establish what would become the National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office, he developed frameworks for coordinating information-sharing across previously disconnected entities. This pioneering work brought together U.S. federal agencies, foreign governments, and commercial maritime organizations to enhance global maritime security through improved domain awareness. His contributions established enduring channels for cooperation that continue to strengthen international maritime safety protocols.
Academic Excellence and Knowledge Development Feldkamp's transition to academic roles marked yet another evolution in his service to national security interests. As a Subject Matter Expert at Georgetown University, he has developed comprehensive coursework on "Terrorism and Unconventional Threats," incorporating both historical context and emerging challenges. This work builds upon his previous experience as an adjunct professor at both George Mason University and George Washington University, where he taught undergraduate courses examining domestic and international terrorism through multiple analytical frameworks.
His academic contributions extend beyond the classroom through his work as author and editor of "Theory and Politics of Terrorism," published by Cognella Academic Publishing. This textbook has become a standard reference in university courses nationwide, offering students a sophisticated understanding of terrorism's complex motivations, operational patterns, and political dimensions. By bridging theoretical concepts with practical case studies drawn from real-world examples, Feldkamp's academic work prepares the next generation of security professionals to address evolving threats.
The Evolution of Security Challenges Recent years have seen Feldkamp's professional focus increasingly shift toward cybersecurity and digital vulnerabilities. Drawing on his extensive background in counter-terrorism and intelligence operations, he offers valuable perspectives on the intersection of traditional security concerns and emerging technological threats. His consulting work helps organizations develop integrated approaches to security that address both technical systems and human factors in comprehensive protection frameworks.
The rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats represents a natural extension of Feldkamp's longstanding interest in asymmetric challenges to national and organizational security. His analysis emphasizes how technological advancement has transformed both offensive capabilities and defensive requirements across security domains. This integrated perspective makes his insights particularly valuable in developing protection strategies that address the full spectrum of contemporary threats.
Adventures Beyond Professional Life Outside his professional accomplishments, Feldkamp maintains an adventurous spirit that manifests in his personal pursuits. An accomplished sailor, he has tested his skills in demanding competitions including the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, navigating through some of the world's most challenging waters. This passion for sailing complements his interest in international travel, which has taken him to destinations across the globe.
Feldkamp's travels have nurtured his appreciation for wine culture, developed through exploration of vineyard regions throughout Europe and the Americas. This interest reflects his broader curiosity about cultural traditions and regional specialties encountered during his global journeys.
Throughout his time in Saint Petersburg, Florida, and continuing in his current home of Arlington, Virginia, Feldkamp has remained committed to community service. He actively volunteers with veterans' organizations and mentors young professionals interested in national security careers. These community connections, combined with his master's degree in International Affairs and extensive operational experience, position James "Jim" Feldkamp as a uniquely qualified voice in conversations about evolving security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.
