Intelligence
More specifically, military intelligence. This is tricky, because there isn’t much I can say, but I served a couple of tours of duty in support of military intelligence units, and they were my most rewarding tours. My enlisted career field was cryptographic equipment maintainer.
I can send you to the National Cryptologic Museum website for some wonderful information, and if you ever find yourself driving down the Baltimore Washington Parkway between Baltimore and Washington DC (or between Washington DC and Baltimore), stop and visit in person. It’s even better.
Take a look at the National Cryptologic Memorial and read some of the stories of people who Served in Silence and gave their lives.
I’ll direct your attention to the photo gallery and suggest you investigate two Exhibits in particular (but they’re all worth your time): Slave Quilts and Code Talkers.
A number of years back, the Math Society at my husband’s college did a field trip to the Cryptologic Museum, and my son and I went along (which gives you some idea of time — no daughter around). I loved it, and my muse could’ve camped out there for months. I thought the slave quilts were awesome, and I’ve toyed with various ideas of how to incorporate that sort of idea into my writing.
I have SOOO many ideas I want to incorporate into my writing. I just wish I could develop the creativity and imagination to do so. (I haven’t given up yet, but I’m on the edge of the line.)
Jean, you have plenty of imagination! All you have to do now is figure out how polar bears would use codes. 😉