Jerry Reimers’ career journey spans from an unexpected pivot away from medicine to becoming a pivotal figure in U.S. military law, intelligence, and national security policy. In this episode of Micro Journeys, Jerry recounts how a scheduling mishap led him to political science and eventually into law, which became the launchpad for his time in the Navy JAG Corps and his deep dive into international and military law. What followed was a remarkable trajectory into national security and intelligence work that helped shape how the United States tracks and mitigates threats before they materialize.
The conversation dives into Jerry’s work in identity intelligence and counter-IED (improvised explosive device) strategy, shedding light on how interagency collaboration and biometrics played a crucial role in “getting left of boom.” Jerry unpacks the challenge of connecting data across agencies, creating information-sharing ecosystems, and navigating the complex legal frameworks that underpin national security operations. From executive orders to stovepiped databases, Jerry outlines the persistent gaps and the systems now in place to prevent future breakdowns in coordination.
Tune in to hear how one person’s evolving path—from prosecutor to military lawyer, to intelligence officer and national security strategist—helped save lives, influence policy, and set enduring standards for interagency cooperation and identity intelligence.