In addition to investigating terrorism, Mingione is a sniper team leader and a medical operations coordinator, frequently leading a group of paramedics into crisis situations. He also trains SWAT teams, new agents, and police in firearm use in the field and in the classroom at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His office is in the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in downtown Washington, D.C., but you will rarely find him behind his desk. "I try not to sit too long," said Mingione, who favors SWAT training to office work any day.

Leading sniper team missions, providing medical support to victims of heinous crimes (Mingione spent several weeks pulling bodies from the Pentagon after 9/11), and operating day-to-day within a web of ominous terrorism intelligence isn't exactly what most would considre a comfortable job.

But for Mingione, with his austere demeanor, intense focus, and action-oriented attitude, it's a perfect fit. And for someone with a liberal arts background, it's even more appropriate, "What I love about the bureau is that it's all things to all people," said Mingione. "There is no one bureau."

To Mingione, the FBI is like Hampden-Sydney in that it grants agents a great deal of independence, affording motivated and competent people the opportunity to assume many different responsibilities in incredibly diverse areas. Since becoming an agent, Mingione has taken full advantage of that; one day he might be wielding his automatic weapon and leading a SWAT team into a combat situation, and the next training FBI paramedics in the arcana of anthrax and its physiological affects.

After college, Mingione worked five years as a commercial pilot for American Eagle Airlines. When he heard the FBI needed pilots, he applied. After passing the rigorous acceptance requirements, he entered the Academy and became one of only a few in the class without a graduate degree. After completing the 16-week training, he had intended to fly. But after spending a few years on the fugitive squad, he diversified his involvement and became increasingly active in terrorism investigations. Now, with America's safety in the balance, he is at the forefront of a new global mission.

At right, Daniel Mingione '88 (second from left) in Yemen with a Yemeni soldier, a local tribesman, and a fellow agent. Below right, Mingione with a fellow agent in front of the USS Cole in Yemen.

Since joining the bureau, Mingione has seen significant changes in the standard template used to combat and investigate terrorism. A 1995 presidential directive, in accordance with the increasing threat of global terrorism and the internationalization of crime and law enforcement, gave the FBI lead authority for both investigating and preventing terrorism against American interests. Historically, the FBI has been reactionary. When crimes occurred, they went back and investigated. Now, the bureau is a more praetorian agency, able to take preventive and proactive measures.

The 1995 directive also means that the FBI is no longer limited to domestic turf, but rather must investigate wherever American interests are threatened. Nowadays, Rapid Deployment Teams, of which Mingione is a member, travel to foreign countries on a moment's notice. When terrorist bombs struck U.S. Embassies in Tanzania, Nairobi, Yemen, and Kenya, he was on the scene within hours.

Mingione says this change in policy was a much-needed corrective measure, citing the fact that the bureau successfully thwarted an attempt to blow up a transcontinental flight in the Philippines in 1995. More recently, the Patriot Act, according to Mingione, has aided in the bureau's ability to prevent terrorism.

For the sake of security, we cannot know the pragmatic details that shape Dan Mingione's career in the FBI. And because of his position, he knows some of the world's darkest secrets. But despite this fact, Mingione is hopeful. "The current terrorism threat is a tough nut to crack. It's a long process, but I believe in it," he said. "I know we'll be successful."