Meet the SOF Veterans Strengthening National Security

The United States has long benefited from leaders with military experience, but few bring the depth of operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills of Special Operations Forces (SOF) Veterans. We continually advocate for the involvement of SOF Veterans in all levels of government, believing that a stronger defense and more informed decision-making come from those who have lived the realities of war and global conflict. Firsthand knowledge of military strategy, operational effectiveness, and the geopolitical landscape, provides insight often missing in traditional policy discussions.

In the past, many members of Congress with ties to the SOF community have voiced their support for all that we do here at SOAA and have committed to highlighting the issues our members and the greater SOF community face:

We applaud the Trump Administration’s continued nomination and appointment of SOF Veterans to key government positions to ensure those who have operated on the front lines now have a voice in shaping national security policy.

Joe Kent, former Green Beret, nominated for Director of the National Counter Terrorism Center
Michael Jensen, former Commander to the 26^th Special Tactics Squadron, nominated for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Low Intensity Conflict (ASD/SOLIC)
Hung Cao, former Navy EOD officer, nominated for the Under Secretary of the Navy
Ronald Johnson, former Green Beret – Ambassador to Mexico
Mike Waltz, former Green Beret – National Security Advisor

Beyond these appointments, former SOF members have increasingly been elected to Congress, where they continue to shape defense and security policies.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Commanded Special Operations in Panama, US House of Representatives, Massachusetts District 4
Rep. Eli Crane, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Arizona District 2
Rep. Dan Crenshaw, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Texas District 2
Rep. Jason Crow, former US Army Ranger, US House of Representatives, Colorado District 6
Rep. Warren Davidson, former US Army Ranger, US House of Representatives, Ohio District 8
Rep. Chris Deluzio, former Civil Affairs Team, US House of Representatives, Pennsylvania District 17
Rep. Troy Downing, former United States Air Force 129th Rescue Squadron
Rep. Mark Green, former 160th SOAR Flight Surgeon, US House of Representatives, Tennessee District 7
Rep. Pat Harrigan, former Green Beret, US House of Representatives, North Carolina District 10
Rep. Morgan Luttrell, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Texas District 8
Rep. John McGuire, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Virginia District 5
Rep. Cory Mills, JSOC, US House of Representatives, Florida District 7
Rep. Keith Self, former US Army Ranger, US House of Representatives, Texas District 3
Rep. Tim Sheehy, former US Navy SEAL, US Senator, Montana
Rep. Derrick Van Orden, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Wisconsin District 3
Rep. Ryan Zinke, former US Navy SEAL, US House of Representatives, Montana District 1

SOF Veterans in key positions ensure military and security policies are guided by those who have executed them on the front lines. Their leadership helps bridge the gap between policymakers and warfighters, leading to more effective strategies, improved support for the military community, and a defense posture rooted in operational realities rather than theoretical concepts.

At a time when global threats continue to evolve, the presence of SOF Veterans in government is not just beneficial—it is essential. Their commitment to service, strategic expertise, and firsthand knowledge make them uniquely suited to inform national security decisions, ensuring that America remains strong, prepared, and resilient in an increasingly complex world.