Vucaj, who is in the fourth quarter of his studies in the university's Department of Defense Analysis, says he cleared a major hurdle at the close of the previous quarter.

"This last quarter, we were expected to finish our thesis proposals, and that has taken quite a bit of time," he said. "But now that my thesis proposal is approved by my advisors, I will really need to focus on coming up with something interesting and unique in my research."

Like most students attending NPS, Vucaj developed his thesis topic based on its impact on current defense issues.

"I think NPS is an extraordinary institution for postgraduate studies, especially for defense-related issues," he said. "I would say that especially for the Defense Analysis program. It is very unique and has all kinds of different special operations forces from different countries.

"I am really happy to be here in Monterey and attending NPS," he continued. "It is a very good school with a great team."