My name is Christopher Gaunt, and I was born in Springfield, Missouri. I have a wonderful family (wife, son, and two dogs) that help me strive for greater things. I started my IT journey in high school, where I dabbled in website building and computer assembly. However, my real journey began when I joined the United States Air Force (USAF) as a cable and antenna operations technician. In this role, I had the opportunity to dive deep into how Layer 1 works, gaining hands-on experience with engineering network routes, telecommunications project management, and installing OSP, ISP cabling and circuit management.
After my initial role, I earned my CompTIA Security+ certification and transitioned into being a Communications Focal Point Supervisor, overseeing Help Desk and Technical Support teams, where I provided ticket routing and creation, troubleshooting, and remote access support and voicemail reset for over 20,000 customers. I also led a 5-man SIPR team, providing troubleshooting, ticket creation, security incident reporting, routing, and coordinating with MCCC, DISA, partnering agencies, and neighboring installations. This experience sharpened my leadership skills and enhanced my understanding of IT support in large, mission-critical environments.
As my career progressed, I continued building on my technical knowledge while pursuing my Associate’s degree in Network and Security Administration and my Bachelor’s in Cyber Operations. I set up home labs and studied for more certifications, earning CompTIA’s Network+, and Cisco’s CCNA, and currently I’m pursuing additional certifications such as CompTIA CySA+ and Azure Network Engineer Associate. These certifications and drive helped fuel my transition into the role of Network Infrastructure Supervisor and NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge), where I lead a team of 15 network infrastructure technicians.
In my current role, I’ve had the opportunity to oversee and contribute to various impactful projects. Such as the network expansion project where I programmed and installed Ciena switches, enabling 50 buildings across 3 installations, enhancing network speeds by x10. I’ve also contributed to several high-profile projects, such as the $10 million MSAB Moral Network Expansion Project, where I configured and installed 40 Cisco switches and access points, and the $7 million modernization upgrade project, where my team and I replaced old network equipment with modern infrastructure, enhancing network performance and compatibility
As a Network Engineer and Telecommunications subject matter expert, I have provided oversight in mission-critical installations, ensuring compliance with industry standards while managing complex network systems. This journey has allowed me to apply my technical knowledge and grow into a versatile, dedicated professional in the world of IT. It continues to drive my passion for innovation, leadership, and continuous learning.
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