Randall Judt (’20): Managing Essential Navy Directives

“The practical experience of the professors is a key advantage of IWP. My favorite part of my master’s degree was learning from people who worked in the national security field and knew what worked – and what didn’t.”
– Randall Judt (’20)

An Army veteran, Randall Judt (’20) came to IWP using the GI bill while supporting the Department of the Navy in his professional role. Through his studies, Randall has gained deeper insight into the inner workings of government – knowledge that has made him more effective in advancing national security and supporting the men and women who serve.

Today, Randall plays a critical role in administering the Navy’s directives, which guide everything from personnel policy to highly classified nuclear policy.

From the Army to the Department of the Navy

Randall joined the Army in the middle of his college career, driven by a long-standing interest in national security that was solidified by the events of September 11, 2001.

“I wanted to be involved in that field, and I wanted to serve my country,” he said.

He completed Basic Training between his sophomore and junior years and attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) the following summer. After six years of active duty as a Human Resources Specialist, Randall transitioned to the Department of the Navy as a contractor, where he supported the Navy’s declassification program.

“Both in the Army and working for the Navy, I was surrounded by people who were there because they wanted to serve our nation,” said Randall. “In both jobs, I have been able to serve those who protect our country.”

But when it comes to an Army-Navy game, Randall said: “I cheer for Army!”

Learning from Former Government Leaders

While working with the Navy, Randall decided to use the remainder of his GI Bill benefits to pursue a master’s degree. His goal was to deepen his understanding of the national security world to support his professional work.

He chose IWP for its scholar-practitioner faculty.

“At IWP, you learn from people in the field who held those jobs,” said Randall. “That experience is irreplaceable.”

Randall especially valued how professors brought lessons to life through personal stories from their careers. “Those were my favorite moments in the classroom,” he said.

He also found it particularly valuable to study how the national security bureaucracy developed over time.

“It has helped me in my job to know how decisions are made within the Department of Defense,” he said. “I know where I stand in the process, the roles of other entities, and the perspectives and priorities of decision-makers across the national security field.”

On a day-to-day basis, Randall uses lessons learned at IWP: “My studies have helped me become more effective. Instead of having a project get delayed, I know which offices or people I should contact. And because I understand their priorities, I can communicate with them more effectively.”

Balancing work and graduate school was challenging but ultimately rewarding. “You have to budget your time and be disciplined,” he said. “But if you can do it, I think you can do anything. The sky is the limit.”

Managing Navy Directives

Today, Randall works with the Navy’s directives program, helping develop and manage the policies that guide operations across the Navy and Marine Corps.

“The Navy is like a city, spread out over the world,” he said. “Directives are the rulebook that governs that ‘city.’”

These directives address a wide range of issues, from environmental policy and personnel matters to operational requirements and classified programs. Recent directives have covered topics such as threat simulations, career development, ordnance inventory, strike fighter squadron capabilities, and military instructor programs.

Randall recently worked on a directive addressing the temporary promotion of junior grade officers in critical career fields – an example of how policy directly impacts force readiness and career progression.

Making an Impact on the Military

Randall’s work helps ensure clarity and consistency across the Navy, supporting both operational decision-making and the everyday lives of service members.

He finds the role especially rewarding because it allows him to translate the expertise of subject matter experts into actionable, effective policy.

“Being able to tell these experts that the Secretary signed off on their instruction makes it feel all worthwhile,” said Randall.

His position also keeps him constantly learning.

“It has been fun to work on new issues and topics alongside subject matter experts,” he said. “The more you know, the more effective you can be – and I’m always eager to learn more.”