Avery Warfield, a graduate of Wake Forest University with a BA in Politics & International Affairs and minors in Philosophy and Sociology has carved out a unique path in the realm of intelligence and space analysis. Currently serving as a Space Imagery Analyst at HEO in Washington, D.C., Avery’s work involves monitoring orbital assets and providing strategic intelligence to a diverse range of clients.
His journey is a testament to the power of a global perspective and the value of diverse experiences in shaping a career in the intelligence field.
Avery’s Role at HEO and the World of Space Domain Awareness
Avery’s current role at HEO involves analyzing images of satellites and space objects from space, a process known as non-Earth imaging. This work is crucial for monitoring orbital assets and providing strategic intelligence to government, defense, and commercial customers. HEO’s mission is to track high-interest targets and create actionable insights by monitoring satellite activity, profiling unknown objects, and identifying anomalies.
Recently, Avery has been delving into the 1967 Outer Space Treaty and its implications on modern anti-satellite capabilities. This work highlights the intersection of international law and emerging technologies in the space domain.
The Global Perspective: Avery’s Journey from Africa to Washington
Avery’s upbringing, which spanned the U.S., Africa, and Europe, instilled in him a strong global perspective. This unique worldview has been a cornerstone of his career, allowing him to understand and navigate the complexities of the intelligence field.
Before joining HEO, Avery spent nearly three years in Dakar, Senegal, as an intelligence analyst. His work there focused on geopolitical risk, counterterrorism, governance, and armed conflict across Sub-Saharan Africa. He also gained experience as a drone and UAV warfare analyst, assessing open-source intelligence on emerging technologies and their impact on modern warfare.
Navigating Challenges and Building a Global Network
The most challenging aspect of Avery’s job is navigating an increasingly crowded space environment to accurately identify and analyze high-priority targets. Converting complex orbital data into clear, actionable intelligence is a skill that requires precision and expertise.
Avery’s ability to build and maintain a global network has been instrumental in his career. Living and working abroad has taught him that lasting relationships require quality and intentionality. His network, spread across the world, has become a source of lifelong anchors, both personally and professionally.
One of Avery’s goals was to visit every one of his friends’ hometowns from his Master’s program. This endeavor not only added new places to his list but also allowed him to experience countries from a unique perspective.
Mentorship and Advice for Wake Forest Graduates
Avery emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the early stages of a career. Gaining perspective from experienced mentors has been an indispensable asset for him. He encourages Wake Forest students to take advantage of mentoring relationships and to be intentional about building their own paths in the intelligence field.
For those interested in working in national security or intelligence, Avery advises finding a niche and becoming an expert in that subject. He suggests tracking a single country or topic throughout a semester, writing regular intelligence reports to build real subject-matter expertise.
Avery also stresses the importance of expanding one’s global perspective. Traveling and immersing oneself in different cultures can rewire how one navigates challenges and makes them more adaptable. Prioritizing health and fitness, along with trusting in a higher power, has been crucial in his transition from college to adult life.
