WELCOME TO THE ONLINE DEFENSE ACADEMY.
From this page you can access your paid program, purchase an a la carte offering, and access our free offerings.
If you're here for the first time, you can access many free resources in order to get an idea of our training program methodology. If you'd like to start a paid plan you can do so at anytime by clicking any of the program links. To get started we recommend:
- Download our mobile app DEFEND! iOS | Android. It's free and is the best way to stay in touch with the community.
- Interested in starting your training? Sign-up for one of our training programs:
Once you have signed-up for a training plan you will work with two resources, your own personal HQ inside the DA and your Smartsheet training plan.
YOUR PERSONAL HQ
This is the hub for managing your personal information, group memberships, connections, interactions, plans, and subscriptions. You can upload your own videos, files, and analyses.
The key below will explain how to access the various features and content found in the Defense Academy.
Instructions For Using Your HQ
1. Edit. You will use this tab to create and update your profile. Click on "Edit" then "Update Your Profile". You will then see four more options for creating and updating your profile:
- Canvas: "Canvas" is a large image you can upload the becomes the backdrop of your profile.
- Contact Info: This is your basic contact information.
- Experience: Indicate your prior training or current job responsibilities. This is where your rank and certification within the DSI system is displayed.
- Portrait: Upload a face shot or other image.
2. Connections: "Connections" are friends and colleagues inside the Defense Academy. You manage these connections with the "Connections" tab.
3. Training Log. This function works like a training diary or log. You can post your own comments and links in your Training Log. Your Training Log is where we place your Smartsheet Training Plan so you can open it and customize or update your plan. Send us an email at info@distributedsecurity.com to activate your Smartsheet Training Plan.
4. Training Groups: The most powerful feature of your HQ is the "Groups" functionality. You can set up your own group and invite others to join. Groups can be created for Teams, ATP's, CFI's, students, client organizations, media etc. (Teams that are enrolled as an enterprise security cadre will each have their own Private Training Group). Inside "Groups" you may find special offers or opportunities from your ATP or CFI. Make sure to check your "Groups" daily. Groups allow members to (for instance) post upcoming events and training dates; upload photos and videos of training; and post files or references useful to others.
5. Files: Upload your own training files. Store your most used PDF's from the Defense Academy.
6. Photos: Upload your own training photos.
7. Videos: Upload your own training videos.
8. Subscriptions: This tab is where you go to manage your subscription to the Defense Academy. You can upgrade to a different membership or cancel your membership with this tab.
9. Forums: This is your link to our community-wide forum. You can view any of your posts to the Forum under this tab and keep up with any conversations that you might be tracking. Individual groups can set-up their own private forums.
10. Invites. Use this tab to invite friends or colleagues to connect.
11. Log-in Box. You can check and edit your profile from this box along with any private messages.
12. TacChat. This is an on-chat box. Click it to open up a conversation. This is covered by our CFI's and business development folks. Ask questions about your membership, site navigation, and training.
13. Courses. These tabs are for your courses. Your courses will be added here and tracked. Also, your certificates for course completion are displayed here as well.
14. Messages. Your private messages are listed here for quick access.
Establish your daily ritual. Every day you should: Check your "Profile" for messages, invites, etc. Check the "Forum" for conversations. Do some training. Monitor your progress with the Training Log. Check the Threat Center for a detailed look at current threats. Keep an eye on the Master Schedule for members only events and activities plus courses and programs that may be scheduled in your vicinity. Sign-up for a course or program.
YOUR SMARTSHEET TRAINING PLAN
Our training programs are driven by Smartsheet interactive spreadsheets that allow us to collaborate on your training in order to keep you on track and heading towards accomplishing your training objectives. Each Smartsheet functions like a traditional Excel spreadsheet except that it also offers the ability to interactvely access people and resources. Each plan designates specfic tasks and activities most of which involve interacting with content and resources inside the Defense Academy. The Smartsheet power is in its ability to provide deep linking to these resources so you can easily access and work with them. After you pay for your plan you will find your opening Smartsheet inside your DA HQ. Below is a sample Smartsheet to show you how they work: