By Chief Scott Hughes
Reflecting on my time at the FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia, I can confidently say it was one of the most transformative experiences of my professional career. As a law enforcement leader, the opportunity to attend this prestigious program not only challenged me personally and professionally but also reaffirmed my belief that leadership development is essential for the continued advancement of our profession.
Over the course of 10 weeks, law enforcement leaders from across the United States and nearly two dozen other countries gather to exchange ideas and learn strategies to enhance their leadership, physical fitness and overall knowledge of law enforcement practices. Regardless of where you are in your career or the amount of training you’ve received, attending the FBINA is a must for personal and professional growth.
Professional development and world-class education
One of the defining aspects of the FBINA is its rigorous academic curriculum. Throughout the program, I completed six master’s level courses, including advanced topics in leadership, legal issues and law enforcement best practices. These courses were taught by some of the most accomplished professionals in the field, many of whom have extensive experience working in federal law enforcement and academia.
The educational aspect goes beyond textbooks and lectures. For those considering attending, I highly recommend signing up for the master’s level courses offered, as you are given a choice upon enrollment. The advanced coursework adds even greater depth to the learning experience. Engaging in meaningful dialogue with classmates and faculty provided insights into how different agencies worldwide tackle common challenges. From crisis leadership strategies to minimizing liability in high-risk operations, the knowledge gained at FBINA is directly applicable to my role as Chief of Police.
The academic structure also emphasizes practical learning. Alongside coursework, the program featured guest speakers who brought real-world insights into leadership, ethics and crisis management. Hearing from FBI agents, industry experts and law enforcement leaders enriched our understanding of current challenges and innovative solutions. Discussions often revolved around real-world case studies, where we dissected leadership successes and failures and applied lessons learned to hypothetical scenarios. This approach honed our critical thinking skills and ensured the strategies we developed were grounded in reality. It’s an educational model that many leaders can benefit from bringing back to their own agencies.
A standout moment for me came during the “Legal Issues Impacting Law Enforcement Operations” course. This course provided critical updates on evolving legal standards and helped validate that our current policies and procedures align with existing case law. Additionally, it enabled me to identify areas for refinement, ensuring we could better protect our officers and our community while mitigating liability risks.
Physical training and personal growth
FBINA is also renowned for its emphasis on physical fitness, including the famed “Yellow Brick Road,” a grueling six-mile obstacle course designed to test physical endurance and mental toughness. Throughout the program, weekly physical challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, culminating in completing the Yellow Brick Road during my final week.
While the physical challenges were demanding, they taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, personal growth and the power of a support network. Leadership often requires pushing through adversity, and the physical training reinforced that mindset in a very tangible way. Watching my classmates encourage and support one another during the challenges solidified the importance of teamwork in leadership.
Prospective attendees should begin a consistent fitness regimen at least three months before the program, focusing on endurance, strength and flexibility. I recommend incorporating a “CrossFit"-style workout to build strength and stamina. Additionally, it is absolutely essential to be able to run one mile in under 10 minutes to handle the physical demands effectively. Train outdoors when possible to simulate the varied terrain of the Yellow Brick Road obstacle course.
One aspect of the physical training that stood out was its ability to serve as a metaphor for leadership. Obstacles on the Yellow Brick Road mirrored challenges leaders face daily — balancing perseverance with adaptability and ensuring the team succeeds as a whole. These lessons translate directly into our daily work environments and remind us that leadership is often about finding strength in unity.
Building lifelong connections and global partnerships
The networking opportunities at the FBI National Academy are unparalleled. As a proud graduate of FBI NA Class 291, I had the privilege of learning alongside law enforcement professionals from nearly all 50 states and approximately two dozen international students. These connections extend beyond the classroom, forming a global network of leaders committed to professional excellence.
Attending various networking events, such as trips to New York City and Philadelphia, allowed me to gain unique perspectives and establish meaningful professional relationships. The behind-the-scenes tours of facilities offered invaluable insights into how major agencies operate and provided ideas to bring back to my department. I even had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go skydiving, pushing myself to overcome personal challenges and further bond with my classmates.
The global partnerships formed through the FBINA are more critical than ever in today’s digital age. With technology becoming increasingly prevalent and criminals leveraging computers for cybercrime, international collaboration has become essential. The global connections made at the FBINA offer valuable resources for sharing intelligence, best practices, and strategies for combating modern threats.
The diversity of perspectives was particularly enriching. International students shared presentations on policing in their countries, offering unique strategies and addressing challenges specific to their regions. These discussions deepened my understanding of global law enforcement, particularly in counterterrorism. Engaging directly with international peers highlighted the immense value of cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Why all police leaders should attend the FBI National Academy
The FBINA is not just a leadership course — it’s a life-changing experience that equips law enforcement professionals with the tools to lead with integrity, inspire their teams and make sound decisions under pressure. Importantly, you do not need to be a chief to attend. In fact, those in upper command or aspiring to leadership roles may take even more away from the program, as it provides valuable insights and preparation for advancing their careers. Regardless of your current position, years of service, or prior training, the benefits of attending are profound and lasting.
Being away for 10 weeks will never be easy. There will never be a perfect time to leave, as family commitments and professional responsibilities will always exist. However, making this sacrifice is an investment in your growth and your agency’s future. Traveling home on weekends is possible and recommended as long as it does not interfere with planned events.
To balance responsibilities during the 10-week absence, leaders should establish a clear chain of command and delegate key duties to trusted staff members. Schedule regular check-ins to stay updated without micromanaging. On the family side, setting a schedule for communication (e.g., weekly video calls) and involving your family in the journey by sharing experiences can help maintain connections while you’re away.
This extended time away allows leaders to step back completely, giving their teams the opportunity to take ownership and grow. This not only fosters personal renewal but also deepens the team’s leadership capabilities, ensuring the agency is well-prepared for future challenges.
For those considering applying, I encourage you to embrace the opportunity entirely. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and transformed. Consider setting professional development goals ahead of time to maximize the program’s impact upon returning to your agency. The lessons you learn, the connections you make and the growth you experience will benefit your career and leave a lasting positive impact on your agency and community.
In conclusion, my time at the FBI National Academy was more than just an educational milestone — it was a transformative experience reaffirming my commitment to leadership excellence. As law enforcement professionals, we owe it to our agencies and communities to continually seek growth and improvement. The FBINA provides a unique platform to do just that. I am proud to be part of this distinguished group of graduates, and I wholeheartedly encourage other leaders to pursue this incredible opportunity.
Take the next step — contact an alumnus today, explore application requirements and begin your journey toward leadership excellence.
Editor’s Note: Chief Scott Hughes wrote about his FBINA experience on LinkedIn. Here is an excerpt from his journey. Find more here.
Week 2 at the FBI NA
Greetings from Quantico once again! As we settle into our routine here at the FBI National Academy, I’m excited to share the highlights of our second week.
Establishing a New Routine
This week, we transitioned into our regular schedule, which includes a balanced mix of academic sessions, physical training, and networking opportunities. The structure and discipline of our daily routine are helping us stay focused and motivated as we navigate the curriculum. Most of us are starting to figure out our way around the campus and not getting lost at every turn, which is a significant improvement from week one!
Weekly Fitness Challenge
Wednesday marked our first weekly fitness challenge, a crucial component of our physical training program. These challenges are designed to test our endurance, strength, and teamwork, and they occur every Wednesday. Completing these challenges is essential for qualifying for the famous “Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course later in the NA.
This week’s challenge involved a series of demanding exercises: banded push-ups, boxing, a 1.5-mile run, dumbbell rows, and a 1/2-mile finisher. The combination tested our full-body strength and cardiovascular endurance, pushing us to our limits and fostering a solid camaraderie as we encouraged each other through the workout. The sense of achievement and unity after completing the challenge was evident among Class 291.
Photos
Following the fitness challenge, photos with the highly recognizable FBI logo were taken. This was a significant moment for many of us, symbolizing our official inclusion in the Academy and capturing a memory we will all cherish.
Building Bonds
As the week progressed, the bonds among the members of NA291 continued to strengthen. Cliques naturally began to form as people discovered shared interests and commonalities. These emerging circles are fostering deeper connections and creating valuable support networks.
Special Visits and Graduations
This week, the FBI National Command Course was also on campus. Approximately 50 police chiefs from agencies with fewer than 50 officers attended a week-long training.
Additionally, a recruit class graduated this week. Seeing the family members around campus during the graduation ceremonies was inspiring. The pride and joy on their faces served as a great reminder of the support systems behind every law enforcement officer.
Guest Speaker: Paul Butler
On Thursday, we had the privilege of hearing from guest speaker Paul Butler. Paul is a renowned speaker known for his dynamic presentations on leadership, commitment, and determination. His insights were inspiring and thought-provoking, encouraging us to reflect on our leadership styles and impact on our teams and communities.
Weekend Adventures
While some classmates headed home for the weekend, a large group of us who stayed decided to explore the local area. On Friday night, we visited a local establishment known for its strong support of law enforcement and military personnel. The owner proudly displays a vast collection of coins and patches gifted by visitors, including many from our group.
Exploring Washington, D.C.
Saturday night was a memorable experience as I attended a Washington Nationals game and rode on a subway for the first time: the game’s excitement and the novelty of the subway ride made for an unforgettable evening.
Today, we had the incredible opportunity to tour the U.S. Capitol. This tour was a highlight of the week, providing us with a deeper appreciation for our nation’s history. A few of us arrived in D.C. about five hours early, giving us plenty of time to explore. Riding scooters around the city, we visited various monuments and sites. And we didn’t crash.
Reflecting on the Journey
Reflecting on this second week, I am grateful for the experiences and the people I have met. The NA is proving to be more than just professional development; I continue to meet new people, share stories, and learn from one another.
I look forward to sharing more about our adventures and lessons in the coming weeks. Thank you for your continued support and interest in our journey here at Quantico!
About the author
Chief Scott Hughes has served in law enforcement since 1997, holding various leadership positions and driving organizational improvement through effective management and accountability. A respected instructor with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and Calibre Press, he teaches courses on use of force, officer safety, tactics, and leadership development.
Chief Hughes holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education, and a proud graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. He is a Certified Law Enforcement Executive (CLEE) and an active member of the Association of Force Investigators.
In addition to serving as Chief of Police in one of Ohio’s fastest-growing suburbs, he founded Crosden Consulting, which provides expert witness services, consulting, and auditing for public safety organizations nationwide. Learn more at www.CrosdenConsulting.com.
