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!
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!
The SOTF Team is honored to announce that Brian Ellis has successfully transitioned into a Senior Consultant role with UHY Consulting. Brian is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a CW5 after 27 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Brian’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Brian retired as a Master Aviator from the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command During his career, Brian served as a Standardization Instructor Pilot at every echelon from platoon to theater level. He also served as a Senior Warrant Officer Advisor and Maintenance Test Pilot in the 160th. He deployed to combat four times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He also participated in hurricane relief efforts for Katrina and Rita in 2005.
🇺🇸 Brian brings formidable expertise to drive organizational efficiency and raise the level of skilled judgment in the teams with whom he works.
🇺🇸 Brian holds an AS and BS in Professional Aeronautics, a Masters degree in Adult Education, and a PhD in Higher Educational Leadership and has been an advisor to executive level leadership throughout the majority of his career.
🇺🇸 During his free time, Brian enjoys hiking with his wife Beth (who also served in combat as a Black Hawk pilot) and spending time with their two young children and Brian’s teenage boys from a previous marriage.
🇺🇸 "The SOTF Team provided me with extremely high-level and personalized coaching and mentoring to help guide me to my next career. The individualized program was a superior experience because it was tailored specifically to me and my unique situation. It gave me the tools to clearly and concisely articulate the experience I gained during my service and the value I will bring to my new role. I sincerely appreciate all the time and energy the SOTF Team put into me and helping me make my transition successful! I encourage any transitioning SOF operator to reach out to the SOTF and leverage their team`s unparalleled support." - Brian
Congratulations, Team Ellis, on a successful transition!
The SOTF Team is honored to announce that Brian Ellis has successfully transitioned into a Senior Consultant role with UHY Consulting. Brian is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a CW5 after 27 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Brian’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Brian retired as a Master Aviator from the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command During his career, Brian served as a Standardization Instructor Pilot at every echelon from platoon to theater level. He also served as a Senior Warrant Officer Advisor and Maintenance Test Pilot in the 160th. He deployed to combat four times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. He also participated in hurricane relief efforts for Katrina and Rita in 2005.
🇺🇸 Brian brings formidable expertise to drive organizational efficiency and raise the level of skilled judgment in the teams with whom he works.
🇺🇸 Brian holds an AS and BS in Professional Aeronautics, a Masters degree in Adult Education, and a PhD in Higher Educational Leadership and has been an advisor to executive level leadership throughout the majority of his career.
🇺🇸 During his free time, Brian enjoys hiking with his wife Beth (who also served in combat as a Black Hawk pilot) and spending time with their two young children and Brian’s teenage boys from a previous marriage.
🇺🇸 "The SOTF Team provided me with extremely high-level and personalized coaching and mentoring to help guide me to my next career. The individualized program was a superior experience because it was tailored specifically to me and my unique situation. It gave me the tools to clearly and concisely articulate the experience I gained during my service and the value I will bring to my new role. I sincerely appreciate all the time and energy the SOTF Team put into me and helping me make my transition successful! I encourage any transitioning SOF operator to reach out to the SOTF and leverage their team`s unparalleled support." - Brian
Congratulations, Team Ellis, on a successful transition!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Benjamin Channels has successfully transitioned into a senior military operations analyst role with Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA). SPA provides advanced analytics, data-driven solutions, and strategic policy and program support, among other things, to help inform decisions that have had and continue to have strategic and lasting impacts on national security.
Benjamin is a seasoned Special Operations Aviation leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Benjamin’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Benjamin retired from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, where he was hand-selected to command a strategic support Battalion and two Army Special Operations Companies. He also served in various roles, including on the Joint Staff, Human Resources Command, and as a Liaison to an East Coast-based SEAL team.
🇺🇸 Benjamin delivers exemplary strategy as an operational analyst for the Defense industry to continually raise the bar of excellence in standards for the client and the team.
🇺🇸 Benjamin holds a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Planning from @theairuniversity
🇺🇸 Benjamin spends time with his three young children and is in the process of launching a non-profit called Reveille Guitar Project, dedicated to teaching Special Operators the art of guitar building.
🇺🇸 "SOTF played a pivotal role in facilitating a soft land for me post-retirement. Through their guidance, I discovered the importance of introspection, aligning with my core values, beliefs, and family aspirations before embarking on my next career journey. Thanks to the invaluable support of the SOTF team and their extended network, I swiftly found my path forward, eliminating the uncertainty that once clouded my post-retirement plans." - Benjamin
Congratulations, Channels Team, on a successful transition into the next chapter!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Benjamin Channels has successfully transitioned into a senior military operations analyst role with Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA). SPA provides advanced analytics, data-driven solutions, and strategic policy and program support, among other things, to help inform decisions that have had and continue to have strategic and lasting impacts on national security.
Benjamin is a seasoned Special Operations Aviation leader who recently retired from the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Benjamin’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸 Benjamin retired from the US Army as a Lieutenant Colonel, where he was hand-selected to command a strategic support Battalion and two Army Special Operations Companies. He also served in various roles, including on the Joint Staff, Human Resources Command, and as a Liaison to an East Coast-based SEAL team.
🇺🇸 Benjamin delivers exemplary strategy as an operational analyst for the Defense industry to continually raise the bar of excellence in standards for the client and the team.
🇺🇸 Benjamin holds a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Planning from @theairuniversity
🇺🇸 Benjamin spends time with his three young children and is in the process of launching a non-profit called Reveille Guitar Project, dedicated to teaching Special Operators the art of guitar building.
🇺🇸 "SOTF played a pivotal role in facilitating a soft land for me post-retirement. Through their guidance, I discovered the importance of introspection, aligning with my core values, beliefs, and family aspirations before embarking on my next career journey. Thanks to the invaluable support of the SOTF team and their extended network, I swiftly found my path forward, eliminating the uncertainty that once clouded my post-retirement plans." - Benjamin
Congratulations, Channels Team, on a successful transition into the next chapter!
During our Atlanta workshop a few weeks ago, one of our talented Fellows, Tommy Daniel, gave a small presentation to our group of transitioning Operators on how to use AI in your transition preparation.
Tommy exemplifies the talent and character that makes SOTF Fellows the tip of the spear. He worked for days putting this together and generously shared his findings with other Fellows to elevate their transition experience.
THIS is cutting-edge transition!
To meet Tommy, connect with him on LinkedIn. He`d be an amazing asset to your or a friend`s company!
During our Atlanta workshop a few weeks ago, one of our talented Fellows, Tommy Daniel, gave a small presentation to our group of transitioning Operators on how to use AI in your transition preparation.
Tommy exemplifies the talent and character that makes SOTF Fellows the tip of the spear. He worked for days putting this together and generously shared his findings with other Fellows to elevate their transition experience.
THIS is cutting-edge transition!
To meet Tommy, connect with him on LinkedIn. He`d be an amazing asset to your or a friend`s company!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Clarence Pearson (CJ) has successfully transitioned into a Global Operations Accelerated Military Leadership Development Program role with @bankofamerica!
CJ, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired/completed service from the United States Army as a sergeant after 6 years of selfless service. CJ ended his military career as a Team Leader in 1st Ranger Battalion, @_the_75th_ranger_regiment_ , U.S. Army. He spent his entire career at 1/75, where he deployed 3 times. Prior to enlisting, CJ completed his undergraduate degree and worked for 2 years in the supply chain industry.
CJ delivers productive execution by assessing the situation, organizing the priorities, identifying and engaging the right talent for the task, and then managing projects and people with clear timelines and standards. He brings contagious energy and enthusiasm to those around him personally and professionally.
While continuing to execute at a high level with Ranger Battalion, CJ earned his MBA with Magna Cum Laude honors from @olemiss in December 2023, while simultaneously preparing for his transition.
“SOTF helped me exponentially more than I expected I needed, starting with informing me on things that I didn’t even know I didn’t know. Beyond that, they provided me frameworks for networking, telling my story to convey value, improving my resume and LinkedIn, and pointed me to resources to improve areas of weakness," CJ said.
Congratulations, CJ!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Clarence Pearson (CJ) has successfully transitioned into a Global Operations Accelerated Military Leadership Development Program role with @bankofamerica!
CJ, a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired/completed service from the United States Army as a sergeant after 6 years of selfless service. CJ ended his military career as a Team Leader in 1st Ranger Battalion, @_the_75th_ranger_regiment_ , U.S. Army. He spent his entire career at 1/75, where he deployed 3 times. Prior to enlisting, CJ completed his undergraduate degree and worked for 2 years in the supply chain industry.
CJ delivers productive execution by assessing the situation, organizing the priorities, identifying and engaging the right talent for the task, and then managing projects and people with clear timelines and standards. He brings contagious energy and enthusiasm to those around him personally and professionally.
While continuing to execute at a high level with Ranger Battalion, CJ earned his MBA with Magna Cum Laude honors from @olemiss in December 2023, while simultaneously preparing for his transition.
“SOTF helped me exponentially more than I expected I needed, starting with informing me on things that I didn’t even know I didn’t know. Beyond that, they provided me frameworks for networking, telling my story to convey value, improving my resume and LinkedIn, and pointed me to resources to improve areas of weakness," CJ said.
Congratulations, CJ!
Happy Father`s Day to the men who raised the heroes defending our nation, and the men in our program raising the next generation of American Patriots. We celebrate and honor you today! 🇺🇸
Happy Father`s Day to the men who raised the heroes defending our nation, and the men in our program raising the next generation of American Patriots. We celebrate and honor you today! 🇺🇸