Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Kelly Dillon

Niceville

Summary

Former Special Forces Sergeant Major with over 23 years of proven leadership. Respected for composure under pressure and the ability to inspire and direct teams in dynamic international environments. Expertise in strategic planning, organizational problem-solving, and managing sensitive interagency and multinational operations with senior government and partner-nation leaders. Recognized for exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex challenges into clear, actionable strategies. Proven mentor and developer of high-performing teams across joint, interagency, and multinational settings

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Field Skills Instructor

371st SOCTS
09.2024 - Current
  • Senior Instructor and Mentor with expertise in leading curriculum delivery and shaping AFSOC training programs to build combat-ready Airmen.
  • Leverages dynamic instructional methods to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and decision-making in high-stress operational environments.
  • Recognized for superior communication and leadership skills, developing training material, mentoring instructors, and ensuring alignment with mission objectives.

Field Skills Instructor

371st SOCTS
11.2022 - 06.2023
  • Utilizes diverse instructional strategies—lecture, facilitation, demonstrations, and technology integration—to drive engagement, knowledge retention, and consistent performance outcomes.
  • Experienced in instructional systems design, partnering with directors and senior leadership to plan, organize, and oversee integrated skills training and specialized development programs.
  • Deep understanding of enterprise objectives, operational milestones, and interagency collaboration, enabling accurate evaluation of program effectiveness and alignment with strategic priorities.

Senior Enlisted Advisor/Program Director

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
04.2019 - 11.2021
  • Trusted senior leader and principal advisor to executive command, guiding the advanced training, development, and readiness of over 2,500 personnel across the organization.
  • Directed large-scale training and operational programs, aligning resources and stakeholders to achieve full mission readiness and global deployment capability.
  • Demonstrated executive leadership through strategic planning, talent development, and organizational oversight, driving certification, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operations Manager

Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan
08.2018 - 03.2019
  • Coordinated and managed daily operations, planning, and certification for a 2500-person task force while overseeing $750K in resources across U.S. and international missions.
  • Program and project manager driving cross-functional integration of air and ground forces, streamlining acquisition and maintenance processes to improve efficiency, readiness, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Enhanced organizational performance by mentoring leaders, enforcing safety and compliance standards, and providing clear guidance and feedback to develop high-performing teams.

Counter Narcotics Program Manager

United States Southern Command
08.2015 - 07.2017
  • Provided executive leadership of the Counter Narcotics Program in Honduras, managing multi-million-dollar resources, uncovering $250K in misplaced equipment, and directing the distribution of $11M in assets. Exercised bilingual leadership to align U.S. and Honduran forces under shared objectives.
  • Led multinational security initiatives by overseeing the U.S.–Colombia Action Plan (USCAP), delivering 63 training programs valued at $2.5M for over 800 Honduran forces. Ensured flawless execution with zero incidents through strategic planning, cross-agency coordination, and leadership presence.
  • Built influence and trust as a senior advisor, engaging directly with partner nation leadership in Spanish, shaping policy decisions, and mentoring senior military leaders—formally recognized by the Honduran Armed Forces Commanding General for professionalism, dedication, and impact.

Education

Liberal Arts

Excelsior University
Albany, NY
07-2022

Skills

  • Transformational Leadership
  • Building and Leading Teams
  • Planning
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Program & Project Management
  • Individualized Instruction
  • Subject Matter Expert
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Risk Management and Analysis

Certification

  • Certified Project Director

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Field Skills Instructor

371st SOCTS
09.2024 - Current

Field Skills Instructor

371st SOCTS
11.2022 - 06.2023

Senior Enlisted Advisor/Program Director

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
04.2019 - 11.2021

Operations Manager

Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan
08.2018 - 03.2019

Counter Narcotics Program Manager

United States Southern Command
08.2015 - 07.2017

Liberal Arts

Excelsior University

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