Called to serve. Proven to perform.
The Challenge
How do our SOF service members translate their skills into a value proposition that resonates with private-sector hiring managers? We help connect SOF veterans and private enterprises to see the value of collaboration and what each offers the other.
Challenge Accepted
The Opportunity
Companies are looking for candidates who are results-oriented and know how to win. SOF veterans are looking for their next successful career – not just a job. The leadership and management skills they honed in the military are critically important in the business world.
Opportunity Knocks, We’ve Answered.
The Solution
After completing a SOTF Fellowship, our Fellows are ready, willing, and able to help sustain and scale any business or organization. Special Operations veterans add tremendous value to any team they’re on; smart companies recognize this. As a result, they’ll want to hire more of these extraordinary individuals who go through SOTF.
We’ve Got the Solution
Why SOTF?
Since 2013, SOTF has transitioned over 500 Special Operators into over 150 of our Nation’s highest-performing companies across American communities.
Our Program
Our program is focused on service members who have been through an assessment and selection process for the units of the Special Operations Command or operational personnel from select intelligence agencies.
Application
Verification of Service
SOTF Review Board Nomination
Fellowship conferred
Assessment
Psychometric Testing
Behavioral Testing
Profile & Value Proposition
Exploration
Executive Coaching
Resume Tailoring
Regional Workshops
Networking Events
Execution
Connections
Interview Preparation
Comparative Analysis
Offer Negotiation
Integration
First 100 Day Support
Alumni Network Induction
Latest Reviews
This program has been crucial in my transition from military life after 25 years on active duty. I was feeling a bit lost on how to proceed once I made up my mind to retire, and SOTF has provided me with the framework to guide me through this transition. The workshop I attended is a perfect example of a first-rate event that aggregates and presents valuable tools and insights to add to our toolkit as we navigate the waters of transitioning to our next chapter.
If you are a military member looking to re-invent, transition, change careers, super-charge your network, confront your fears, understand your own value, and capitalize on opportunities, there are none better than the passionate members of the Special Operators Transition Foundation. Thanks for the personal help when I needed it most.
Transition out of the Air Force Special Operations community was bittersweet, exciting, and scary all at the same time! After nearly 25 years of pouring my heart and soul into a military profession I loved, it was great to have the SOTF team and program behind me as I figured out how to navigate a path forward into the civilian sector. SOTF provided a reliable, safe, and attuned teammate to work through and succeed in the transition challenge. SOTF mentors provided me with a valuable “sounding board” to talk transition tactics and strategy. It was great knowing they had my back!
Trained. Tested. Trusted.
SOTF Fellows know they have received the most curated transition experience possible. Hiring Partners know they have a curated leader who can deliver unparalleled, ethical, and innovative results.
The ultimate winning proposition!
We`re proud to be one of the many resources available to the Special Operations community entering civilian life.
🇺🇸 If you`re SOF, apply for a Fellowship here: www.sotf.org/apply
👥 If you`re a civilian patriot, mentor or support our program here: www.sotf.org/get-involved
We`re proud to be one of the many resources available to the Special Operations community entering civilian life.
🇺🇸 If you`re SOF, apply for a Fellowship here: www.sotf.org/apply
👥 If you`re a civilian patriot, mentor or support our program here: www.sotf.org/get-involved
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Aaron Johnson has successfully transitioned into a Product Management role with Ripple Effect Studios, a game development studio within the EA - Electronic Arts portfolio.
Aaron is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Aaron’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Aaron retired as a US Army Senior Operations Sergeant out of the 1st Special Forces Group - Airborne. During his tenure, he served in various roles, including as a Special Forces Small Unit Tactics instructor within the Special Forces Qualification Course.
🇺🇸 Aaron provides value via his relentless drive, which serves as a catalyst to promote team cohesion, improve planning processes, execute projects, and provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
🇺🇸 Aaron holds a Master of Science in Interactive Technology
🇺🇸 Aaron dedicates his time to mentoring service members serving his community and making up lost time with his wife and daughter over the years.
🇺🇸 “The SOTF Team provided me unparalleled guidance, support, motivation, and networking opportunities, ultimately leading me to my next successful career. I appreciate the individualized approach to my unique situation.” - Aaron Johnson
To meet Aaron, connect with him on LinkedIn!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Aaron Johnson has successfully transitioned into a Product Management role with Ripple Effect Studios, a game development studio within the EA - Electronic Arts portfolio.
Aaron is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Aaron’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Aaron retired as a US Army Senior Operations Sergeant out of the 1st Special Forces Group - Airborne. During his tenure, he served in various roles, including as a Special Forces Small Unit Tactics instructor within the Special Forces Qualification Course.
🇺🇸 Aaron provides value via his relentless drive, which serves as a catalyst to promote team cohesion, improve planning processes, execute projects, and provide innovative solutions to complex problems.
🇺🇸 Aaron holds a Master of Science in Interactive Technology
🇺🇸 Aaron dedicates his time to mentoring service members serving his community and making up lost time with his wife and daughter over the years.
🇺🇸 “The SOTF Team provided me unparalleled guidance, support, motivation, and networking opportunities, ultimately leading me to my next successful career. I appreciate the individualized approach to my unique situation.” - Aaron Johnson
To meet Aaron, connect with him on LinkedIn!
Transition briefs at SOF units nationwide are one way we serve future SOF veterans! Our Director of Programs, Joshua Johnson, visits a SOF unit of active duty Operators and shares a broad-scope picture of what transition is like, how SOTF can support the Operator`s unique needs in transition, and how mission success is a guarantee.
If you or someone you know is stationed at JBLM/the Seattle area and is in SOF, come to our Transition Brief on Friday!
Transition briefs at SOF units nationwide are one way we serve future SOF veterans! Our Director of Programs, Joshua Johnson, visits a SOF unit of active duty Operators and shares a broad-scope picture of what transition is like, how SOTF can support the Operator`s unique needs in transition, and how mission success is a guarantee.
If you or someone you know is stationed at JBLM/the Seattle area and is in SOF, come to our Transition Brief on Friday!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Nicolas van Tulder has successfully transitioned into a Group Lead – Threat Prevention and Resilience role with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Nicolas is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Captain after nine years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Nicolas’ accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Nicolas served as a Cavalry and Civil Affairs officer. During that time, he was the Special Operations Liaison to the US Embassy in Africa and led training and advising teams in Ghana and Ukraine.
🇺🇸 Nicolas delivers a deliberate perspective as a leader of diverse teams through rigorous intellectual curiosity, which helps teams see new possibilities and frame flexible solutions.
🇺🇸 Nicolas dedicates his time to building veteran and professional communities in the Portland area with the Project Management Institute and @Nwveteransintechnology . He enjoys exploring the PNW’s unparalleled outdoors and bringing communities together to explore Portland’s endless food and beverage scene.
🇺🇸 “The SOTF team provided intensely individualized support to explore and articulate my passions and unique value proposition. They provide invaluable exposure to professional mentors and opportunities I never would have found alone. Ultimately, the SOTF team connected me to the opportunity of a lifetime and fully prepared me to seize it.” - Nicolas van Tulder
To meet Nicolas, connect with him on LinkedIn!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Nicolas van Tulder has successfully transitioned into a Group Lead – Threat Prevention and Resilience role with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Nicolas is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Captain after nine years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Nicolas’ accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Nicolas served as a Cavalry and Civil Affairs officer. During that time, he was the Special Operations Liaison to the US Embassy in Africa and led training and advising teams in Ghana and Ukraine.
🇺🇸 Nicolas delivers a deliberate perspective as a leader of diverse teams through rigorous intellectual curiosity, which helps teams see new possibilities and frame flexible solutions.
🇺🇸 Nicolas dedicates his time to building veteran and professional communities in the Portland area with the Project Management Institute and @Nwveteransintechnology . He enjoys exploring the PNW’s unparalleled outdoors and bringing communities together to explore Portland’s endless food and beverage scene.
🇺🇸 “The SOTF team provided intensely individualized support to explore and articulate my passions and unique value proposition. They provide invaluable exposure to professional mentors and opportunities I never would have found alone. Ultimately, the SOTF team connected me to the opportunity of a lifetime and fully prepared me to seize it.” - Nicolas van Tulder
To meet Nicolas, connect with him on LinkedIn!
Happy Independence Day, America! We hope you spend today enjoying the precious freedoms secured for us by our service members. 🇺🇸
Happy Independence Day, America! We hope you spend today enjoying the precious freedoms secured for us by our service members. 🇺🇸
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Keyto Cooper III has successfully transitioned into an Account Manager role with Cisco.
Keyto is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Sergeant after 6 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Keyto’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Keyto served in the Army with the 2nd Battalion in The 75th Ranger Regiment. During his tenure, he served in different infantry roles and eventually became a Fire Team Leader.
🇺🇸 Keyto builds and maintains relationships as a trusted advisor who helps make critical decisions that directly impact the organization`s success.
🇺🇸 Keyto holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance.
🇺🇸 Keyto enjoys spending time with his family and is passionate about helping others successfully transition out of the military.
🇺🇸 "I cannot thank the SOTF team enough for their support and guidance through this transition process. They provided me with every tool I needed to succeed. The preparation with the team helped me have great confidence in myself during this major change."
To learn more about Keyto`s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Keyto Cooper III has successfully transitioned into an Account Manager role with Cisco.
Keyto is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service in the United States Army as a Sergeant after 6 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Keyto’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Keyto served in the Army with the 2nd Battalion in The 75th Ranger Regiment. During his tenure, he served in different infantry roles and eventually became a Fire Team Leader.
🇺🇸 Keyto builds and maintains relationships as a trusted advisor who helps make critical decisions that directly impact the organization`s success.
🇺🇸 Keyto holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance.
🇺🇸 Keyto enjoys spending time with his family and is passionate about helping others successfully transition out of the military.
🇺🇸 "I cannot thank the SOTF team enough for their support and guidance through this transition process. They provided me with every tool I needed to succeed. The preparation with the team helped me have great confidence in myself during this major change."
To learn more about Keyto`s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
If you ask the most seasoned Special Operations veteran what the hardest thing they`ve ever had to do is, many will say it was transition out of the military.
We make that tough task easier. It`ll never be glamorous or simple, but we make it navigable. How? By working 1:1 with each Operator and partnering with America`s best businesses looking to leverage the invaluable talent Operators bring.
Use your talents to get involved at www.sotf.org
Video by @jaerett at Eyes & Ears Creative
If you ask the most seasoned Special Operations veteran what the hardest thing they`ve ever had to do is, many will say it was transition out of the military.
We make that tough task easier. It`ll never be glamorous or simple, but we make it navigable. How? By working 1:1 with each Operator and partnering with America`s best businesses looking to leverage the invaluable talent Operators bring.
Use your talents to get involved at www.sotf.org
Video by @jaerett at Eyes & Ears Creative
"When networking, find out what kinds of problems an organization is facing. When interviewing, explain how you are the solutions to those specific problems." - Jesse Calder, Microsoft
On Wednesday, we conducted a SOTF Transition Workshop in Seattle, generously hosted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Britnie Clark and SOTF Alum Nicolas van Tulder put it together, and the day was flawless!
We kicked off the day with an in-depth look at PNNL`s day-to-day life, including company culture, roles that best match our Fellows` skills, and the type of work the Lab does. Tim Babcock, Seán J. Kreyling, Lauren Smith, and Kevin Gorecke shared their time and expertise with us.
We began the afternoon with SOTF Alum Galen Takamura of 8x8 Aaron Hansen M.Ed. of Visa, and Chris Whitmer of @boeing. Each of these panelists shared where Fellows would be best fit in their company and the opportunities available.
Our third session focused on Jeremy Babcock (currently hiring at JFrog!), Joseph DeLuca (also currently hiring at @amazon), and Microsoft team members Ian M. and Jesse Calder.
As a result of this workshop, Fellows have already found themselves recruited by the individuals and companies who joined us! The potential that arises from these workshops is indescribable, and we owe it all to the industry professionals who share their time with us.
Connect with these talented guys on LinkedIn (you can find their bio links on our Page) before they`re off the market!
"When networking, find out what kinds of problems an organization is facing. When interviewing, explain how you are the solutions to those specific problems." - Jesse Calder, Microsoft
On Wednesday, we conducted a SOTF Transition Workshop in Seattle, generously hosted by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Britnie Clark and SOTF Alum Nicolas van Tulder put it together, and the day was flawless!
We kicked off the day with an in-depth look at PNNL`s day-to-day life, including company culture, roles that best match our Fellows` skills, and the type of work the Lab does. Tim Babcock, Seán J. Kreyling, Lauren Smith, and Kevin Gorecke shared their time and expertise with us.
We began the afternoon with SOTF Alum Galen Takamura of 8x8 Aaron Hansen M.Ed. of Visa, and Chris Whitmer of @boeing. Each of these panelists shared where Fellows would be best fit in their company and the opportunities available.
Our third session focused on Jeremy Babcock (currently hiring at JFrog!), Joseph DeLuca (also currently hiring at @amazon), and Microsoft team members Ian M. and Jesse Calder.
As a result of this workshop, Fellows have already found themselves recruited by the individuals and companies who joined us! The potential that arises from these workshops is indescribable, and we owe it all to the industry professionals who share their time with us.
Connect with these talented guys on LinkedIn (you can find their bio links on our Page) before they`re off the market!