My Journey: From The U.S. Military to AI-Driven Instructional Design

Some journeys begin in classrooms, others in boardrooms—but mine began in the U.S. Army. I began my professional journey in the U.S. Army, during my many combat deployments, I learned firsthand the value of structured learning, adaptability, and mission-critical decision-making. During my eight years of service in the military, I was responsible for analyzing complex data, briefing and training personnel, and ensuring operational success under high-stakes conditions.

Following my military service, I transitioned into the Department of Defense as a Training Manager, where I led a team of contractors and government civilians. In this role, I was responsible for designing, developing, and implementing high-impact training programs for military personnel. My work included rewriting entire course curricula to meet evolving military requirements, ensuring that over 2,000 service members across multiple branches received relevant, up-to-date training.

My passion for instructional design and training innovation led me to roles in private-sector consulting with organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, CGI, CACI International, and DTS. In these positions, I specialized in e-learning strategy, curriculum development, and training design for federal and other government clients. I worked on highly classified and unclassified projects, spearheaded multimedia-based training initiatives, and helped organizations integrate modern instructional methodologies like ADDIE, Agile, and SCRUM.

Then came AI.

At first, like many, I was skeptical. Could a machine really enhance the deeply human process of learning? But the more I explored AI’s potential in instructional design, the more I realized it wasn’t about replacing human expertise—it was about enhancing it. AI could take over tedious tasks, analyze learning patterns in real time, and help instructional designers focus on what truly matters: crafting meaningful, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

Currently, I am an Instructional System Designer at Team Carney, Inc., where my focus is on developing cutting-edge online training solutions within the Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE). My expertise spans across instructional systems design, AI-enhanced learning, and e-learning development, ensuring that learners receive impactful, data-driven, and technology-enhanced training experiences.

Beyond my professional work, I am also a co-founder of the Indian Classical Music School of Columbia, LLC, where I manage a learning management system (LMS) and integrate cultural education with technology. Additionally, I am also a co-founder of SwarMatters, a YouTube channel with over 14,000 subscribers. It is multimedia platform focused on video content creation and web production. These initiatives reflect my deep passion for education, cultural preservation, and technology-driven learning experiences.

My journey—from the battlefield to the boardroom, from military operations to instructional design, and from traditional learning methods to AI-driven solutions—has shaped my unique approach to education. Today, my mission is clear: to empower instructional designers, educators, and training professionals to embrace AI as a powerful tool for innovation, efficiency, and learner engagement.