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 750 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!
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Tyson Crosby has successfully transitioned into an Associate Sales Specialist role with @jnjinnovativemedicine Tyson Crosby is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @usarmy as a Command Sergeant Major after 27 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Tyson’s accomplishments includes:
⚕️Tyson retired from the Army as a Sergeant Major out of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) in Virginia. During his tenure, he served in the 75th Ranger Regiment for 18 years. He also served as a Command Sergeant Major in the 82nd Airborne Division, instructor at the Sergeant’s Major Academy, and Sergeant Major and Task Force Senior Enlisted Leader in the 25th Infantry Division. Tyson deployed to combat 19 times in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
⚕️Tyson loves new challenges. He excels at building cohesive teams, developing strategy, and making the impossible possible.
⚕️Tyson holds a Masters` Degree in Adult Education from Pennsylvania State University, a Distance Education Certificate also from @pennstate, is a published author, and a licensed National Rifle Association (NRA) Firearms instructor.
⚕️Tyson has been married to his wife for 20 years, and they have three children. He is a dedicated family man and has been a Sunday School teacher for over 15 years. Tyson and his family enjoy going on adventures and spending time outdoors together.
⚕️"Being a part of the Special Operators Transition Foundation has been one of the key highlights in my retirement from the Army. The SOTF team leveraged their experience and resources to create a tailor-made transition plan for me." Tyson shares, Not a stone was left unturned in helping me establish a thriving network, defining my value outside of the service, and preparing me to compete in the civilian workspace."
To learn more about Tyson’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Congratulations, Tyson, we couldn`t be happier for you!
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #usarmy #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays—however you and your loved ones choose to celebrate—from our team at SOTF to yours.
To those who are spending this season away from home in service to others, we thank you. We remain committed to supporting future special operators as they transition into their next chapter, so they too can enjoy a fulfilling civilian life after military service.
And to the Fellows who have trusted us and allowed us to serve them this year—thank you. We are grateful for you and honored to be part of your journey.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and restful holiday season.
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #specialoperators #SOTF
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Michael Ellis has successfully transitioned into a General Manager role with Northern Gulf Services.
Michael Ellis is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @usairforce as a Colonel after 28 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Michael’s accomplishments includes:
✈️Michael retired from his final assignment to The Joint Staff. During his career, he served in multiple leadership roles both in combat and in garrison, he instructed and evaluated pilots in multiple aircraft, commanded at the squadron level, and served in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations & Low-Intensity Conflict.
✈️Michael has a proven track record mentoring, developing, and guiding cross-functional teams to achieve dependable, repeatable outcomes.
✈️Michael has a Master of Science in Risk Management and Insurance and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
✈️Michael enjoys supporting the academic and athletic development of his children and exploring new and interesting places with his family.
✈️“The Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) was instrumental in my transition from military service to the private sector. Their team took the time to help me uncover what truly drives me, and their guidance, coaching, and network are unmatched. I am truly grateful for their investment in my journey.”
To learn more about Michael’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Congratulations, Michael, on this exciting new role and chapter! We couldn’t be happier for you and look forward to seeing all that you’ll accomplish.
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #usairforce #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
The SOTF Team is excited to announce Graham Espenlaub has successfully transitioned into a Mechanical Engineer Associate role with @lockheedmartin.
Graham is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed service from the @usarmy as a Staff Sergeant after 8 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Graham’s accomplishments includes:
🔧Graham separated from the Army as a Senior Medical Sergeant out of 10th Special Forces Group. During his tenure he served as detachment medic and company medic, and instructed medical and winter warfare training.
🔧Graham brings energizing influence to teams he is a part of and enthusiasm for overcoming obstacles and always growing.
🔧Graham has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from @uccs.
🔧Graham enjoys spending time with his young daughter; finding new problems to solve on his old cars; and getting outside to ski, climb, and bike.
🔧“I couldn’t imagine going through this huge life change without SOTF. Everyone at SOTF delivered actionable strategies and information to figure out what I wanted to do and what I needed to get there. They provided incredible instructors teaching valuable skills for transition, and amazing opportunities to network with employers and others going through the same journey,” Graham shares. “Knowing that there was a team that had my back through my transition was a huge benefit. The program gave me the skills I needed to confidently move on to my next chapter.”
To learn more about Graham’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on Linkedin.
Graham, congratulations on the new role! It’s been great watching everything align, and we can’t wait to see you hit the ground running in this next chapter.
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #usarmy #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Sean Coffman has successfully transitioned into the role of Wholesale Manager with Southern States Material Handling.
Sean is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @usarmy as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than 21 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Sean’s accomplishments includes:
🇺🇸Sean retired as a Senior SOF Plans & Operations Officer at Special Operations Command – Central (SOCCENT). During his tenure, he served as the SOF Chief at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, SF Group Operations Officer, Company Commander, Detachment Commander, and liaison officer to the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) SOF and Intelligence Directorates.
🇺🇸He builds trust and relationships across multicultural, complex organizations with ease, ensuring mission success at every echelon with a people-first approach.
🇺🇸Sean holds a Master of Science in Defense Analysis – Low Intensity Conflict from @nps_monterey and has led and mentored organizations across the globe.
🇺🇸Sean’s greatest accomplishment is being a father to a firecracker of a daughter, striving every day to live his faith to the best of his ability.
🇺🇸"The SOTF Team is unparalleled in its ability to support transitioning SOF personnel and the next generation of leaders across the spectrum of business. SOTF’s service-member-first mentality provides each SOTF Fellow with the tools to be successful long after the uniform comes off and to recognize that the skills developed over a successful military career make them incredible assets in the civilian sector." Sean shares, "Any transitioning SOF member who does not take advantage of what SOTF has to offer is leaving opportunity on the table as they begin their next chapter."
To learn more about Sean’s leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Congratulations, Sean! We`re thrilled to see you thriving in this new chapter.
#sof #SOFOperators #usarmy #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Joey Turmel has successfully transitioned into an Account Executive role with @Salesforce joining their Slack Growth Business team.
Joey is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently completed eight years of selfless service in the @usarmy separating as an Infantry Captain.
A snapshot of some of Joey’s accomplishments includes:
🏂Joey served in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment, holding key leadership roles including Ranger Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer. Through his military career, he led teams from 40 to 160 personnel through complex, high-stakes missions across three combat and one rotational deployment.
🏂Joey is an authentic connector who aligns people and purpose to drive results. He excels at translating strategic intent into actionable plans, ensuring clarity and shared understanding at every level of an organization.
🏂He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from @columbusstate and a Bachelor’s in Economics from @vrginia.tech. As an Initiatives Planner within the U.S. Army’s G-1 Innovation Cell, Joey led enterprise programs focused on workforce optimization, talent acquisition, and organizational transformation.
🏂Based in New York City, Joey stays active through exercise, reading, making music, hunting, and snowboarding. A lifelong learner and mentor, he enjoys helping other veterans successfully transition into their next professional chapter.
🏂“The mentorship and support I received from the SOTF team went far beyond networking. They really took the time to understand my goals, align my experiences, and help me find a career I’m genuinely excited about." Joey shares, "They didn’t just prepare me for the next job—they helped me figure out where I wanted to go in life and gave me the tools to get there. I can’t thank them enough for the care and commitment they show to every fellow—they truly set us up for success.”
To learn more about Joey’s leadership journey, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Well done, Joey! We’re excited to see where this new chapter takes you.
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #usarmy #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
On this #GivingTuesday, we’re asking our community to rally behind the Special Operators who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
At SOTF, we help these elite veterans find purposeful civilian careers where their leadership continues to make America stronger.
🇺🇸 Your Giving Tuesday gift provides:
1️⃣executive coaching
2️⃣intentionally paired mentoring
3️⃣individualized career guidance
Join us in empowering their next chapter. Donate at http://www.sotf.org/donate
#GivingTuesday #SOTF #SupportOurVeterans #SpecialOperations
The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Ashley Gardiner has successfully transitioned into a Wealth Management and Financial Planner role with Praetorian Guard, a boutique wealth management firm.
Ashley is a seasoned Special Operations leader who recently retired from the @usarmy as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of selfless service.
A snapshot of some of Ashley’s accomplishments includes:
🚁Ashley retired out of the @westpoint_usma where he served as an Economics instructor and an Army level Talent-Management Program Manager. During his time in the Army, he also served as a Special Operations Aviator in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) where he served as an MH-47G Chinook Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, and Regiment Fielding Officer.
🚁Ashley has the ability to identify hidden problems with future implications and develop innovative solutions to solve them preemptively.
🚁Ashley holds an MBA from @harvardhbs a Series 65 Securities License, and is currently enrolled in the Certified Financial Planner® Professional Educational program.
🚁Ashley prioritizes family time with his wife and three daughters, serving his community, and served as a coach on the West Point Skeet and Trap team. He is passionate about developing the next generation of Americans and helping families achieve their version of the American Dream.
🚁"The SOTF team set the standard for transition support. The multi-phase approach met me where I was and walked me through the process from understanding my “what” and “why,” to developing a resume, and effectively networking." Ashley shares, "I encourage everyone transitioning out of the military to take advantage of the incredible support SOTF offers."
To learn more about Ashley’s incredible leadership journey, connect with him on Linkedin.
Congratulations, Ashley. We’re sure this transition will lead to continued success.
#sof #SOFOperators #specopstf #usarmy #specialoperators #TransitionTuesday #SOTF
