Jacob Shepherd
Harbor Freight
Boomer,NC
1
Language
1
Certification
18
years of professional experience
Senior leader with over 15 years of experience managing large teams, complex training operations, and multimillion-dollar assets across global military environments. Proven track record in planning and executing high-risk missions, developing training programs, and maintaining strict compliance with safety and accountability standards. Experienced in leading organizations of up to 166 personnel, overseeing readiness, resource coordination, and operational execution. Skilled in mentoring leaders, improving performance through structured development, and managing diverse functions in dynamic settings.
Work History
Logistics Supervisor
4 Months- Oversaw daily logistics operations ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in inventory management and shipping procedures.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in warehouse workflows.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain activities and reduce costs.
Instructor/Writer
3 Years 1 Month- Deliver instruction to 550+ students annually in small unit tactics, airborne operations, and specialized field training. Manage curriculum development, instructor mentorship, and safety oversight for complex airborne and field exercises.
- Trained 550+ students per year in airborne, air assault, and waterborne operations; improved readiness through hands-on instruction in challenging environments.
- Designed and implemented a Program of Instruction (POI) while mentoring 9 instructors, raising instructional quality and consistency.
- Maintained accountability of $25,000+ in specialized equipment and executed airborne operations as certified Jumpmaster and Safety Officer with zero safety incidents.
First Sergeant
1 Year 4 Months- Led a 166-person organization, directing training, personnel management, and operational readiness. Oversaw professional development, equipment accountability, and compliance with safety and administrative standards.
- Supervised the health, welfare, and training of 166 personnel while coordinating logistics and administrative support to maintain constant readiness.
- Developed and implemented training programs, including a machine gun leader academy, and mentored NCOs to strengthen leadership and technical proficiency.
- Directed large-scale training events, including a National Training Center rotation, and managed $10M+ in equipment with zero losses while maintaining a flawless safety record.
Platoon Sergeant
1 Year 7 Months- Directed operations, training, and readiness for a 44-person platoon. Oversaw personnel development, resource management, and safety while maintaining accountability of $10M+ in vehicles and equipment.
- Supervised and mentored 44 personnel, ensuring readiness and professional growth through structured training, evaluations, and performance oversight.
- Planned and executed platoon and battalion training events, certifying 36 leaders and managing ranges for 400 personnel, including a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation.
- Maintained 100% accountability of $10M+ in equipment and vehicles, achieving a 94% fitness pass rate while enforcing safety protocols that prevented injuries during live-fire exercises.
Instructor/Writer
11 Months- Developed and delivered advanced curriculum for reconnaissance and surveillance operations. Provided instruction to U.S. and allied personnel while maintaining accountability of $1.2M+ in equipment and resources.
- Designed and delivered instructional material for reconnaissance tactics in both mounted and dismounted environments, improving proficiency and course methodology for U.S. and international forces.
- Trained 100+ reconnaissance leaders in communications, evasion and recovery, and combat simulations, aligning instruction with operational requirements to strengthen real-world readiness.
- Directed high-risk airborne operations as certified FRIES/SPIES Master, enforcing safety standards that resulted in zero incidents during complex personnel insertions and extractions.
Instructor/Writer
8 Months- Delivered instruction for reconnaissance and surveillance operations to U.S. and international forces. Supported curriculum development, managed training resources, and maintained accountability of $1M+ in specialized equipment.
- Developed and taught modules on reconnaissance tactics, camouflage, and surveillance, creating exercises that improved student proficiency and were added to the standard curriculum.
- Directed airborne training as certified Jumpmaster, Drop Zone Safety Officer, and FRIES/SPIES instructor, completing all high-risk operations with zero safety incidents.
- Mentored instructors toward advanced certifications and led development of a tracking and counter-tracking course, providing 42 hours of instruction that raised program quality.
Instructor/Writer
1 Year- Delivered advanced reconnaissance and surveillance instruction for U.S. and allied personnel. Managed curriculum development, resource coordination, and accountability of $500K+ in specialized equipment.
- Developed and taught mounted and dismounted reconnaissance modules, creating exercises that improved student proficiency in camouflage, surveillance, and counter-tracking techniques.
- Directed airborne insertion and extraction training as certified Jumpmaster, Drop Zone Safety Officer, and FRIES/SPIES instructor, training 300+ students with zero safety incidents.
- Mentored junior instructors toward advanced certifications and contributed to updating Long-Range Surveillance doctrine, delivering 42 hours of advanced instruction to raise program quality.
Instructor/Writer
1 Year- Delivered reconnaissance and surveillance training to U.S. and allied forces, teaching dismounted tactics in woodland and urban environments. Supported curriculum development, resource coordination, and accountability of $200K+ in equipment.
- Instructed 200+ students in reconnaissance tactics, camouflage, and airborne operations; redesigned lesson plans that improved comprehension and feedback.
- Directed high-risk airborne operations as certified FRIES/SPIES Master, Static Line Jumpmaster, and Range Safety Officer, maintaining a flawless safety record.
- Supported international training with a 29-day Mobile Training Team in Lithuania and contributed to updates of unit operating procedures and the RSLC Student Handbook.
Airborne Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Team Leader
6 Months- Led a six-person reconnaissance team conducting surveillance, intelligence gathering, and target acquisition missions. Oversaw team readiness, equipment accountability, and execution of airborne operations in multinational training environments.
- Directed reconnaissance operations and multinational missions, including Operation Talisman Saber in Australia, applying troop leading procedures to strengthen coordination and execution.
- Maintained accountability of $500K+ in surveillance and communication equipment while leading high-risk airborne operations as certified Jumpmaster and Range Safety Officer with zero incidents.
Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Team Leader
1 Year 9 Months- Led a six-person reconnaissance team supporting battalion missions through surveillance, intelligence gathering, and long-range operations. Managed training, equipment readiness, and specialized insertion and extraction techniques.
- Directed training, mission planning, and deployment of six personnel, applying advanced insertion methods and satellite communications to improve intelligence collection and operational success.
- Maintained accountability of $500K+ in specialized equipment and served as Jumpmaster, Range Safety Officer, and Retention NCO, overseeing high-risk operations with zero safety incidents.
Scout Squad Leader
5 Months- Led a six-person reconnaissance team within an airborne infantry unit, responsible for intelligence collection, offensive operations, and rapid deployment readiness. Oversaw training, personnel development, and accountability of $4M+ in equipment.
- Directed training and reconnaissance operations, delivering intelligence that improved mission planning and execution; developed assessment and reintegration programs to strengthen team capability.
- Enforced security protocols while maintaining $4M+ in equipment with zero loss, and achieved a perfect score on the Army Physical Fitness Test, setting the standard for team readiness and cohesion.
Squad Leader (Sniper Section Leader)
7 Months- Led two sniper teams during combat deployment in Afghanistan, directing reconnaissance, surveillance, and fire support missions. Oversaw team readiness, training, and accountability of section equipment in forward-deployed operations.
- Directed patrols, reconnaissance, and quick reaction missions while supporting combat planning, enhancing mission success and battalion-level operations.
- Supervised and developed five personnel, leading to three promotions and successful preparation for Sniper School, while maintaining 100% accountability of section equipment and delivering marksmanship training to Afghan National Army scouts.
Sniper Section Leader
1 Year 10 Months- Managed a 10-person sniper section providing long-range precision fires and intelligence support for battalion operations. Oversaw training, professional development, and accountability of $1.6M+ in specialized equipment.
- Directed surveillance, reconnaissance, and engagement missions while advising commanders on sniper employment and counter-sniper strategies; developed advanced training on M110 and M107 systems, leading to multiple promotions and Sniper School graduates.
- Improved unit readiness by raising the section’s average fitness score by 25 points in one month, while maintaining 100% accountability of equipment during combat deployments and redeployment from Iraq.
Squad Leader
10 Months- Led a nine-person infantry squad during deployment to Iraq, overseeing training, readiness, and welfare. Directed operations and maintained accountability of $500K+ in mission-essential equipment.
- Supervised and trained nine personnel for rapid global deployment; conducted 75+ mounted patrols while serving as Platoon NCO and Company Pre-Ranger Instructor to raise combat readiness standards.
- Selected to rebuild the battalion’s scout sniper section, achieving a 96% qualification rate for Iraqi Army snipers and earning recognition from senior leadership for exceptional performance.
Team Leader
1 Year 3 Months- Directed daily operations, training, and readiness for a three-person team. Oversaw accountability of $5M+ in equipment while ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
- Supervised and trained three personnel, maintaining readiness and discipline while coordinating schedules, resources, and evaluations to support operational effectiveness.
- Managed NBC safety operations and enforced OSHA and HAZMAT compliance, while maintaining 100% accountability of $5M+ in equipment and leading training programs that improved technical qualifications and team capability.
Education
General Educational Development (GED)
Skills
Personnel Oversight
Team Development
Organizational Leadership
Strategic Planning
Mentorship
Decision Making
Curriculum Development
Course Delivery
Instructor Mentorship
Program Implementation
Student Evaluation
Mission Planning
Risk Mitigation
Safety Compliance
Resource Allocation
Logistics Coordination
Execution Oversight
Equipment Accountability
Maintenance Oversight
High-Value Asset Management
Operational Readiness
Reconnaissance Tactics
Airborne Operations
FRIES/SPIES Execution
Surveillance Operations
Jumpmaster Certification
Performance Evaluation
Reporting
Policy Enforcement
Compliance Auditing
Documentation Management
Certification
- Equal Opportunity Leaders Course
- Transport and Storage of Hazardous Materials
- Mobile Retention Course
- Basic Instructor Course
- Common Faculty Development – Instructor Course
LANGUAGES
English: Advanced (spoken, written, and reading)
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
- U.S. Army Sniper School
- U.S. Army Airborne School
- U.S. Army Ranger School
- U.S. Army Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leaders Course
- U.S. Army Advanced Airborne School
- U.S. Army Military Free Fall School
- Advanced Situational Awareness Basic Course
- U.S. Army Pathfinder School
- Basic Leaders Course
- Advanced Leaders Course
- Senior Leaders Course
- Master Leaders Course
Timeline
Logistics Supervisor
Harbor Freight
04.2026 - 08.2026Read More
Instructor/Writer
United States Army
10.2022 - 11.2025Read More
First Sergeant
United States Army
06.2021 - 10.2022Read More
Platoon Sergeant
United States Army
11.2019 - 06.2021Read More
Instructor/Writer
United States Army
12.2018 - 11.2019Read More
Instructor/Writer
United States Army
04.2018 - 12.2018Read More
Instructor/Writer
United States Army
04.2017 - 04.2018Read More
Instructor/Writer
United States Army
04.2016 - 04.2017Read More
Airborne Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Team Leader
U.S. Army
10.2015 - 04.2016Read More
Long Range Surveillance (LRS) Team Leader
United States Army
01.2014 - 10.2015Read More
Scout Squad Leader
United States Army
11.2012 - 04.2013Read More
Squad Leader (Sniper Section Leader)
United States Army
04.2012 - 11.2012Read More
Sniper Section Leader
United States Army
06.2010 - 04.2012Read More
Squad Leader
United States Army
08.2009 - 06.2010Read More
Team Leader
United States Army
05.2008 - 08.2009Read More
General Educational Development (GED)
Read More