M. Scott Austin

US Coast Guard Fellow, Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology

Bio

COMMANDER M. Scott Austin entered the U.S. Coast Guard in 2003. Over the course of more than twenty years, he served as a Deck Watch Officer, Direct Action Team Leader, Rescue and Airborne Use of Force Helicopter pilot, Senate Fellow, and Intelligence Capability Developer. Completing early tours across the nation, serving in areas from West Africa to South America and the United Kingdom, he operated aboard Coast Guard Cutters and rotary wing aircraft, performing missions ranging from search and rescue to international narcotics interdiction and counter-terrorism. More recently, CDR Austin served as a U.S. Senate Fellow to the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee staff and as a Deputy Director for Capability Development within NORAD and USNORTHCOM’s Intelligence Directorate.

CDR Austin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master’s in Homeland Defense and Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School. His military decorations include a number of awards commensurate with his time in service and unique experiences. He has been married to his wife and hero, Heidi for 19 years, and their two children, Maverick and Lena, are the achievement of which he is the most proud.