BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The 460th Security Forces Squadron at Buckley Space Force Base recently celebrated a significant achievement within its ranks: The graduation of Detective Jason Saenz, a member of the squadron, from the prestigious FBI National Academy (FBINA) in Quantico, Virginia, as part of the 295th session. This achievement not only reflects Saenz’s personal dedication and hard work but also brings immense pride and honor to the squadron, showcasing its commitment to excellence and professional development.
The graduation, held on September 4th, 2025, marked a historic moment for the squadron, as Saenz is the first officer in the squadron’s history to complete the rigorous ten-week program. This achievement, a testament to his dedication to the mission, is earned by less than one percent of law enforcement officers nationwide. The FBINA is internationally renowned for its academic excellence, offering advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness.
“The graduation of the prestigious FBI Academy is not a small feat,” emphasized Maj. Ian Latham, 460th Security Forces Squadron commander. His completion placed Buckley among the select organizations that had someone with the merit to be chosen. His experience has allowed him to leverage new relationships from the law enforcement community nationwide in support of Buckley’s priorities.”
Participants in the FBINA are proven professionals within their agencies, averaging 21 years of law enforcement experience. They typically return to their organizations to serve in executive-level positions, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and a broadened network of contacts. The 295th session included 254 law enforcement officers from 49 states, the District of Columbia, 20 countries, six military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations.
“Jason has always been highly qualified and respected amongst his peers and has constantly helped mold the Airmen of the 460th SFS,” Latham added. “We believe nothing about his demeanor will change, and he will continue to offer that high degree of professional mentorship to the Bison family. He will, however, carry more substantial training and knowledge from the FBI Academy.”
For Saenz, the FBINA experience proved transformative. “Graduating from the FBI National Academy has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” he said. “Fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers worldwide are selected to attend, and I am truly humbled to have had this opportunity.”
One of the most impactful aspects of Saenz’s FBINA experience was the International Partnership Program (IPP), which fostered connections beyond the United States. Paired with an officer from the National Police Agency, Japan’s equivalent to the FBI, Saenz engaged in countless discussions on law enforcement practices and challenges. “Through the IPP, I connected with more than 50 international colleagues, each with unique experiences and perspectives,” Saenz explained. “Those relationships will last a lifetime, and they’ve broadened my outlook on how culture influences policing. For me, serving within the United States Air Force and at a joint base like Buckley Space Force Base, these global connections were and continue to be vital as we face increasingly complex challenges.”
Looking ahead, Saenz aims to leverage his enhanced skillset to strengthen local and federal partnerships. “My immediate goal following graduation is to strengthen partnerships between Security Forces, local law enforcement counterparts, and federal agencies,” he noted. “This achievement was not mine alone; it represents years of persistence and teamwork. I believe the lessons I brought home from the Academy helped us meet our mission with greater efficiency and collaboration.”
The FBINA experience is known for its rigorous training, culminating in a unique tradition. Saenz highlighted “The Yellow Brick Road,” a grueling six-mile obstacle course that symbolizes the culmination of training. Students who complete the test receive a symbolic yellow brick to memorialize their achievement. “For me, that Yellow Brick isn’t just a keepsake, it’s a reminder of shared struggle and resilience,” he reflected. “I saw it as a symbol of the challenges we face together in law enforcement and an opportunity to connect with our partners on common ground.”
In addition to strengthening existing relationships, Saenz also seeks to apply his knowledge to emerging challenges in law enforcement. As a participant in a course on “Futuristics of Law Enforcement and Intelligence,” he spent time examining how AI can be responsibly integrated into policing. “If used wisely, AI can serve as a force multiplier—analyzing vast data, streamlining decision-making, and helping leaders stay ahead of emerging threats,” he noted.
Saenz offered advice to those aspiring to follow in his footsteps. “Stay the course,” he encouraged. “The selection process is long and demanding, but the experience is worth every challenge.”
Detective Saenz’s graduation from the FBI National Academy not only represents a personal achievement but also a significant enhancement to the capabilities of the 460th Security Forces Squadron and its commitment to safeguarding the Buckley Space Force Base community. “It’s a responsibility.” He reminisced, “The lessons I learned, the friendships I built, and the knowledge I gained will continue to shape how I lead and serve. More importantly, they will help me strengthen the partnerships that keep our communities safe, both here at Buckley Space Force Base and beyond.”