ISRAEL GARZA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record within the United States Air Force, excelling in operational resilience and risk management. A self-starter and innovative change agent, I successfully coordinated large-scale international events and managed multi-million dollar budgets, driving critical innovation projects while fostering strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Superintendent, Mission Assurance
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Tampa, Florida
10.2024 - Current
- Leads planning and execution of operational resilience and risk management initiatives supporting USSOCOM enterprise.
- Coordinates security and operational efforts across 32 agencies to deliver large-scale events (SOF Week), ensuring 58 international meetings between heads of state and Department of War leadership.
- Serve as primary coordinator between intelligence organizations, law enforcement, and military stakeholders to synchronize requirements and execution.
Director of Innovations
United States Air Force, USAF
Minot, North Dakota
08.2021 - 10.2024
- Integrated operational and innovation efforts across 8 corporations, managing a $31.2M budget to deliver critical innovation projects.
- Managed, invented, and fielded the first operational camera system for deployment near nuclear weapons in 30 years, from concept through operational use.
- Directed research initiatives to identify emerging technologies and industry trends for strategic planning.
Chief, Weapons & Tactics (Superintendent)
United States Air Force, USAF
Minot, North Dakota
08.2021 - 10.2024
- Managed tactical programs supporting an 8,500-square-mile nuclear missile complex, advising senior leadership on policy, capability development, and risk mitigation.
- Led cross-functional teams across 5 departments and 1,000+ personnel, aligning operational requirements with corporate prioritiDeveloped doctrine, training plans, and execution frameworks to standardize operations across geographically dispersed departments.
- Designed and facilitated complex operational problem sets for senior executives, supporting decision-making and continuous improvement.
Flight Chief, Tactical Response Force (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
Minot, North Dakota
10.2019 - 08.2021
- Supervised training, readiness, and deployment planning for a 51-member rapid response team.
- Oversaw scheduling, resource allocation, and performance metrics across multiple mission sets.
- Ensured compliance with operational standards while meeting time-sensitive mission requirements.
Squad Leader (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
Valdosta, Georgia
06.2016 - 10.2019
- Led and managed a 100-person security force organization, supervising 21 firstline supervisors while overseeing performance management, awards programs, and readiness reporting.
- Ensured 100% compliance with physical and operational readiness standards.
Flight Chief, Air Advisor (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
Niger, Africa
02.2019 - 07.2019
- Planned and executed international advisory programs, coordinating training deliverables with host-nation leadership.
- Managed cross-cultural stakeholder relationships to ensure project objectives were met despite logistical and environmental constraints.
- Managed training programs for personnel despite language barriers.
Squad Leader (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
, Jordan
07.2006 - 05.2017
- Directed teams of 12 to 48 personnel in deployed environments.
- Conducted operational planning and command-and-control coordination for mission success.
- Facilitated post-mission reviews to identify performance improvement opportunities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social And Criminal Justice
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ12.2026
Leadership Development Program -
Noncommissioned Officer Academy
Biloxi, MS02.2021
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL10.2017
Leadership Development Program -
Airmen Leadership School
San Antonio, TX02.2011
Skills
- Relationship Building and Management
- Change Agent
- Mentor/Coach
- Quality Assurance
- Self-Starter
- Innovative
- Learns quickly
- Critical Thinker
Certification
• 2024, Antiterrorism Level 2
• 2021, Basic/Advanced Weapons & Tactics Instructor Course
• 2021, Design Warfare - Professional Innovation Lead
• 2021, Design Thinking
• 2021, Basic/Advanced Weapons & Tactics Instructor Course
• 2021, Design Warfare - Professional Innovation Lead
• 2021, Design Thinking
Awards
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Aerial Achievement Medal
- Air and Space Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
- Air and Space Achievement Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters)
- Combat Action Badge
- 2023: HQ Air Force Innovation Award
- 2022/2023: 91st Security Forces Group NCO of the Year
- 2021: Lance P. Sijan Award
Timeline
Superintendent, Mission Assurance
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
10.2024 - Current
Director of Innovations
United States Air Force, USAF
08.2021 - 10.2024
Chief, Weapons & Tactics (Superintendent)
United States Air Force, USAF
08.2021 - 10.2024
Flight Chief, Tactical Response Force (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
10.2019 - 08.2021
Flight Chief, Air Advisor (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
02.2019 - 07.2019
Squad Leader (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
06.2016 - 10.2019
Squad Leader (Manager)
United States Air Force, USAF
07.2006 - 05.2017
Bachelor of Science - Social And Criminal Justice
University of Arizona Global Campus
Leadership Development Program -
Noncommissioned Officer Academy
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Community College of The Air Force
Leadership Development Program -
Airmen Leadership School