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 1,000 Special Operators into over 450 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!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Scott Maxwell has successfully transitioned into an Explosives Engineer and Business Development Manager role with Delta-V Ergetics
Scott is a seasoned Special Operations leader who transitioned from active service as a Major after 11 years of selfless service in the @USArmy. A snapshot of some of Scott’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Scott held multiple leadership positions while in USASOC. He executed deployments and missions to multiple Middle Eastern and Indo-Pacific countries as a SOF Team Leader and Operations Officer.
🇺🇸 Scott adds value through humility, clear intent, and mentorship, aiming to build more capable and efficient teams. “I never cease to be astounded by what people can accomplish with the right tools, clear intent, and trust. That’s what I’ve always expected from my bosses, and what I owe to those in my charge. Applied appropriately over time, you’ll find that you’ve worked yourself out of a job.”
🇺🇸 Scott holds a Master of Science in Explosives Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geophysics. He has worked with U.S. and foreign ambassadors, CEOs, and civil governance institutions throughout his various roles.
🇺🇸 Scott spends his free time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, hunting, competitive shooting, and working on DIY projects.
“SOTF made all the difference in making my transition successful. Their coaching and mentorship helped me understand my goals, translate my skills, and recognize the value that I can continue to provide outside the military. I can’t speak highly enough of the SOTF team and alumni network.”
To learn more about Scott’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-scott-maxwell/
#TransitionTuesday #SOTF #usarmy #sof #SOFOperators #specialoperators
We’re beyond grateful to our amazing partners at @schneiderelectric for hosting our Raleigh workshop for the third year in a row!
From day one, your team has gone above and beyond, opening your doors, welcoming our staff and Fellows, and creating an environment where they can truly thrive as they translate their SOF experience into meaningful careers in the civilian workforce.
We’re especially thankful for those who poured into our Fellows and made the day so impactful:
Chris Batchelor, Kristin Lee, and Chris Smith of Schneider Electric
Craig Wymer of Veterans Bridge Home
Roger Schucker of Abacus Technology Corporation
Kyle Sordia of Foundation Medicine
Jacob Key North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Josh Peterson and Daniel Quinn of Archaius
Jared Means and Zachary Ciampa of Apex Service Partners
Javier Valencia of Goosehead Insurance
Benjamin Rento of JPMorgan Chase
Jim Hardaway of Applied Research Associates, Inc.
and Liza Hondros Photography for generously giving her time to capture professional portraits of our Fellows.
And a big thank you to Schneider Electric and their phenomenal staff for keeping everyone energized and fueled throughout the day.
We couldn’t do this without partnerships like yours.
#veterantransition #SOTF #militarytransition #sof #schneiderelectric #hiringpartners
Ever shared a room with a Special Operator? 🇺🇸
On June 9, you can.
Join a select group of Special Operators, Special Operations veterans, and industry professionals for a high-impact professional networking breakfast.
Hear directly from those who’ve led at the highest levels—and meet driven talent preparing to begin their careers in Denver.
June 9 | 7:30–9:30 AM
The Village Workspace, Centennial, CO
Be in the room.
Grateful to have been part of an incredible week in South Florida.
Thank you to the South Florida Charity Classic and the Jim Duffy team for their leadership and continued commitment to the Special Operations community. Now in its 11th year, this tournament has raised more than $1M in support of veteran-focused nonprofits. This year alone, over $90,000 was raised and shared among SOTF and several outstanding SOF-serving organizations—an impact we’re proud to be part of for the fourth consecutive year.
Beyond the numbers, what stood out most was the community—supporters who show up, lean in, and invest in the future of those who have served. Every connection made helps drive meaningful outcomes for our Fellows.
We’re proud to stand alongside partners who believe in this mission and take action to move it forward.
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Geno Noel has successfully transitioned into an Account Executive role with @Salesforce, joining their Growth Business Team.
Geno is a Special Tactics Combat Controller (CCT) who recently completed 9 years of service from the @USAirforce as a Technical Sergeant.
A snapshot of some of Geno’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Geno served with the 320th and 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, where he held pivotal leadership roles, most notably as a Team Sergeant. Known for his composure under pressure and his ability to thrive in highly ambiguous environments, Geno specialized in translating complex, multi-faceted problems into clear, actionable solutions. He also served as a Military Free Fall Jump Master, Communications Specialist, and Combatant Diver.
🇺🇸 Geno is a natural problem-solver who remains poised under pressure. He excels at stripping away operational noise to deliver clear solutions necessary to thrive in complex landscapes.
🇺🇸 Geno holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University and is a current Executive MBA student at the UCLA Anderson School of Management.
🇺🇸 Outside of work, Geno keeps himself active through exercise, hiking, snowboarding and surfing. A lifelong learner and mentor, he enjoys helping other Veterans pivot into their next chapter as an ambassador with Service to School.
“I joined SOTF later than most and the amount of customized and expedited support I received was truly impressive. From the start, the SOTF team took the time to understand my timeline, goals and figure out where they could best help me as I pivot into the private sector. My experience with the SOTF team has been nothing short of incredible, and I am truly thankful for all of the help along the way. What they do for the Special Operations community can be life-changing and I am thankful to be a part of it.”
To learn more about Geno’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on Linkedin.
#TransitionTuesday #SOTF #usairforce #sof #SOFOperators #specialoperators
Military spouses know this better than most: community is the greatest asset.
When your service member is gone and the dishwasher breaks, it’s your neighbors and fellow spouses who say, “call on me.” When your child needs an emergency contact for school, it’s your brand-new neighbors who say, “put my name down.” When a baby is born during a deployment, it’s neighbors, fellow spouses, and even strangers who carry you through life’s biggest moments. They’re the people who say, “I’ll be there” without being asked. The military community shows up—rain or shine, hell or high water.
Last week in Fort Lauderdale, our CEO, Josh Johnson, Dan (SOTF Fellow), and I experienced that same spirit firsthand while supporting a golf tournament benefiting SOTF. Over four days, every meal was shared with supporters who embodied a simple message: “ask me.” At every table, in every golf cart, and over every iced coffee, we heard the same refrain—“call on me,” “put my name down,” “I’ll be there.”
It`s indescribably impactful to spend time with people who actively live out their patriotism. These people—neighbors, friends, and even strangers—show up consistently to acknowledge SOTF Fellows they have never met, and may never meet, simply because they believe in our mission and the people we serve.
The drive to serve others cannot be taught. It`s rooted in character. The same character that defines both the military community and the patriots of the SOTF community. The people ask for nothing and offer what they can. Our success is because of them. In Fort Lauderdale, every person echoed the same commitment: “call on me.”
Our people are the differentiator, and I`m damn proud to be part of the military and SOTF community.
Sarah Vanderleest
SOTF Director of Operations
In the military, a Task Force is a purpose-built team assembled under one leader with the right people, skills, and resources to accomplish a specific mission. It’s agile, adaptable, and designed to respond quickly when it matters most.
We’re bringing that same mindset to the SOTF Task Forces.
SOTF Task Forces are local teams across the country made up of committed supporters, veterans, and leaders who come together to drive impact in their communities. Each Task Force is uniquely built to support the mission: empowering Special Operations veterans as they transition into their next chapter.
Just like in the military, no two Task Forces look exactly the same—but all are united by a shared objective: extending the reach of a small but powerful national team to create outsized impact.
This is how we scale the mission.
This is how we stay agile.
This is how we show up together.
Interested in building or joining a Task Force in your area? Let’s connect!
#SOTF #VeteranTransition #StrongerTogether
https://sotf.org/get-involved/
62 transitions.
62 lives forever changed.
62 Special Operators stepping into a new mission.
62 who have discovered a second calling.
62 individuals finding renewed purpose.
62 families strengthened
62 industries strengthened by elite leadership, discipline, and experience.
62 companies gaining the mindset that only Special Operators bring.
This is more than a number.
This is impact. This is transformation. This is legacy.
We are SOTF.
A nonprofit committed to changing lives after service—because the mission doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.
The question is simple:
What would you give to change a life?
Help us reach more operators.
Help us change more futures.
Click the link below to learn more and be part of the mission.
https://sotf.org/donate/
