I have to agree with Jacknola that the way that I read the officers work history, I see "Case Officer" written all over it. In simple terms you don't wind up in certain jobs from 1966 (after 'retirement') and then go into jobs like the man had without 'special assistance'.

The man was in special places with special jobs his whole career.

That being said, carrying a "NASA knife" (which he would know was special),in combat, seems a bit out of character.

Tom V.