Matthew van der Graaff
Colorado Springs
Summary
Dynamic leader prepared for command responsibilities with extensive experience in operations planning and execution within the Army Special Operations Community. Proven track record in enhancing team readiness and implementing strategic guidance initiatives. Skilled in crisis management and fostering leadership development, driving mission success through effective training and interagency coordination.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Jedburgh Detachment Commander
D/4/10 SFG (A)
Fort Carson, CO
02.2025 - Current
- Led team in operations planning and execution for diverse mission objectives.
- Coordinated training exercises to enhance team readiness and operational effectiveness.
- Conducted risk assessments to ensure safety compliance during field operations.
- Integrated intelligence activities into other military operations, plans and programs.
Special Forces Assistant Detachment Commander
A/1/10 SFG (A)
USAG Stuttgart, Germany
07.2020 - 01.2025
- Led operational planning and execution for training exercises and operations, ensuring mission readiness and success.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance team efficiency.
- Mentored junior officers in leadership skills, fostering professional growth within the unit.
- Facilitated communication between command staff and subordinate units, streamlining information flow.
- Assisted in developing certification and validation goals and objectives for the detachment, aligning them with overarching command priorities.
Senior Instructor /Writer
USAJFKSWCS; 18C Committee
Fort Bragg, NC
07.2017 - 06.2020
- Developed and delivered specialized training programs for military personnel.
- Conducted performance evaluations to enhance instructional effectiveness and learner outcomes.
- Mentored junior instructors in curriculum development and teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to integrate current operational tactics into training content.
Special Forces Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
Eglin AFB, FL
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Calculated, emplaced, and detonated explosive charges for specialized sabotage missions and infrastructure demolition.
- Managed inventory, maintenance, and accountability of over $5M in technical engineering equipment and tools, ensuring 100% operational readiness.
- Trained and advised indigenous personnel and allied forces on construction techniques, mine warfare, and defensive operations.
- Supervised troop construction projects, including bridging and road improvements, while adhering to safety standards in hostile environments.
Special Forces Company Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
Eglin AFB, FL
04.2015 - 06.2016
- Coordinated multi-million dollar engineering and logistical support for six independent teams across diverse geographical areas.
- Developed and reviewed strategic "target folders" and area studies to identify infrastructure vulnerabilities and critical resource requirements.
- Authored the Service and Support Annex for operational orders, serving as the primary subject matter expert for organizational sustainment.
- Designed and led comprehensive training programs for over 80 personnel in advanced demolition, construction, and specialized technical skills.
- Mentored junior engineers and team leaders, improving organizational mission readiness
Special Forces Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
Eglin AFB, FL
08.2011 - 04.2015
- Led cross-functional teams to implement engineering solutions, enhancing project outcomes and timelines.
- Developed and optimized complex systems and processes using advanced planning tools and experience, improving efficiency and performance metrics.
- Mentored junior engineers in best practices, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments, identifying potential issues and implementing strategic mitigation plans.
Special Forces Student
USAJFKSWCS
Fort Bragg, NC
11.2009 - 08.2011
- Selected for intensive training in specialized operations, consistently adapting to rapidly changing, high-stress environments and demanding performance standards.
- Collaborated with diverse, elite teams to plan and execute complex, long-term training objectives under strict deadlines.
- Analyzed complex scenarios to develop, communicate, and execute strategic plans for mission success.
- Utilized specialized technical skills for advanced communication, reconnaissance, or medical support in austere environments.
Infantryman
B Co 4/64 AR BN, 3ID
Fort Stewart, GA
09.2006 - 10.2009
- Led tactical operations and coordinated troop movements in high-pressure environments.
- Trained and mentored junior soldiers on combat readiness and operational procedures.
- Developed and implemented training programs to enhance unit performance and mission success.
- Coordinated closely with partner forces during joint operations, enhancing interoperability and mission effectiveness.
- Developed soldier skills by providing guidance on marksmanship, physical fitness, and tactical maneuvers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Studies And Defense Analysis
Norwich University
Northfield, VT12-2023
Skills
- Implementing policies
- Operational excellence
- Public relations
- Project management
- Unconventional warfare expertise
- Intelligence collection operations
- Counter-terrorism
- Strategic reconnaissance expertise
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Leadership development
- Operations planning and management
- Analytical thinking
- Interagency coordination
- Training management
- Crisis management
- Cultural awareness
- Administrative oversight
Accomplishments
- Ranked #1 of 16 Warrant Officers and #1 of 12 detachment commanders by Battalion Commander on most recent annual evaluation.
- Graduated from Special Forces Warrant Officer Advanced Course with placement on Commandant's List (top 20%)
- Graduated from Special Forces Warrant Officer Basic Course with placement on Commandant's List (top 20%)
Certification
- Certified Project Director (August 2025)
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Jedburgh Detachment Commander
D/4/10 SFG (A)
02.2025 - Current
Special Forces Assistant Detachment Commander
A/1/10 SFG (A)
07.2020 - 01.2025
Senior Instructor /Writer
USAJFKSWCS; 18C Committee
07.2017 - 06.2020
Special Forces Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
07.2016 - 06.2017
Special Forces Company Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
04.2015 - 06.2016
Special Forces Senior Engineer Sergeant
B/2/7 SFG (A)
08.2011 - 04.2015
Special Forces Student
USAJFKSWCS
11.2009 - 08.2011
Infantryman
B Co 4/64 AR BN, 3ID
09.2006 - 10.2009
Bachelor of Science - Strategic Studies And Defense Analysis
Norwich University