BRENT DE LA
GARZA

Summary

I design and execute large-scale joint military exercises that prepare special operations and conventional forces for real-world missions. Over 40 years, I've led intelligence operations across eight countries, managed multi-million-dollar collection networks in hostile environments, and orchestrated training events that synchronize U.S. and coalition forces across multiple theaters. I hold a TS/SCI clearance and currently serve as Lead Planner for USSOCOM's Joint Training & Exercise Division, ensuring readiness across the special operations enterprise.

Impact

Experience

1. 2020-Present

   JOINT SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES TRAINER (OPERATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE)

   Celeen/Command Holdings, USSOCOM · Tampa, FL

   • Orchestrated Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) development and execution for Special Operations Forces exercises across the USSOCOM enterprise, integrating Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) and Joint Master Scenario Event List (JMSEL) management to align with Geographic Combatant Command operational and contingency plans.
   • Directed planning, scripting, and replication of SOF mission command staff functions for all Special Operations Forces activities in joint service exercises, ensuring alignment with Joint and Special Operations doctrine, DoD policy, and combatant command priorities.
   • Led inter-agency coordination and operational planning for Joint Warfighter Assessment (JWA) exercises, managing complex scenario integration across multiple Task Force Special Operations Commands (TSOCs) and Joint Special Operations Task Forces (JSOTFs) to enhance joint force readiness and interoperability.
   • Served as senior exercise analyst and subject matter expert for USSOCOM J7, TSOCs, and JSOTFs, providing operational advisement and training on mission command functions, targeting cycles, and effects-based planning methodologies across the special operations community.

2. 2018-2020

   Exercise Planner & Scenario Developer

   WWC Global – WWC Global, USSOCOM · Tampa, FL

   • Lead action officer for pre-deployment training coordination for ARG/MEU and SOF units deploying to CENTCOM, EUCOM, and INDOPACOM.
   • Designed, scripted, and executed large-scale joint and combined exercises (e.g., Bold Alligator, Dawn Blitz, MEFEX, MRX, RAVEN, Angel Thunder, Emerald Warrior, JADE HELM, Judicious Response, LSE, Warfighter, Sabre Junction, Northern/Southern Strike, NTC, JRTC, Trident, Avenger Triad, Blue/Red Flag, Austere Challenge/Edge).
   • Developed JMSEL events and managed scenario scripting for JTNC-accredited exercises, synchronizing multi-domain operations with USMC, Army, Navy, Air Force, and coalition partners.
   • Provided SOF, IW, and sensitive activities expertise to ensure realistic, integrated training environments.

3. 2015-2018

   SOFLE Lead Planner

   ICE – USSOCOM ·

   • Served as SOF Liaison Element (SOFLE) Lead Planner, integrating SOF and conventional force planning across USMC, Navy, and SOCOM components for maritime and expeditionary operations.
   • Led planning for ARG/MEU deployments, executing sensitive maritime and expeditionary operations aligned with GCC requirements and National Defense Strategy objectives.
   • Developed intelligence annexes and targeting packages for amphibious assault and crisis response missions, enabling lethal and non-lethal sensitive activities within defined legal authorities.
   • Coordinated pre-deployment training (Bold Alligator, Dawn Blitz, MEFEX), building SOF/GPF capacity for complex, compartmented operations.

4. 2014-2015

   SOCOM IA – PACOM Regional Integrator

   Calhoun International – USSOCOM J33 · MacDill AFB, FL

   • Led Global Mission Support Center watch floor to synchronize worldwide counterterrorism and IW operations and maintain continuous situational awareness for J33 leadership.
   • Orchestrated Time Sensitive Planning, integrating TSOCs, components, interagency, and coalition partners for rapid, fully coordinated COAs.
   • Managed all-source information and knowledge management for deliberate and contingency planning, validating data posted to USSOCOM portals and databases.
   • Identified critical information gaps, generated collection and RFI recommendations, and represented J33 at interagency events to align plans, operations, and intelligence.

5. 2013-2014

   Intelligence Collection & HUMINT Operations Contractor

   Defense Contractor – CENTCOM/EUCOM Regions · CENTCOM/EUCOM Regions

   • Supported U.S., NATO, and partner nations in counterterrorism and stabilization operations as a forward-deployed intelligence collector in hostile CENTCOM and EUCOM locations.
   • Provided real-time intelligence to ground forces and national agencies, managing the planning and development of intelligence operations and NAR.
   • Leveraged analytical tools and customized databases for time-sensitive and historical analysis; recognized as SME and “HIGHLY QUALIFIED” in SOF interpretation and reporting.
   • Vetted personnel and managed multi-million-dollar strategic and tactical collection networks supporting U.S. Military, USSOF, and NATO forces.

6. 2011-2013

   Intelligence / Operations Exercise Planner

   Visual Awareness & Technologies (VATC) ·

   • SOF Intelligence/Operations Exercise Planner supporting JNTC-accredited mission rehearsal exercises and Warfighter events for GPF and SOJTF-level formations in EUCOM and USAREUR.
   • Applied Joint Training System methodology and represented SOF equities across the JELC to ensure requirements-based joint readiness and realistic SOF–GPF integration.
   • Planned and executed JELC events from concept development through FPCs, managing SOF scenario design, exercise control, and injects.
   • Supported joint/interagency training program design and assessment, documenting events and status in JTIMS in accordance with CJCS policy.

7. 1991-2011

   Weapons Sergeant (18B)/ Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F) / Special Forces Operations Sergeant (18Z)

   U.S. Army Special Forces ·

   • Served in multiple Special Forces Groups CONUS/OCONUS, conducting intelligence collection, HUMINT operations, and UW across more than eight countries.
   • Led intelligence operations supporting DA, SR, FID, and CT missions; executed targeting and network analysis using F3EAD to disrupt insurgent and threat networks.
   • Planned and executed SSE, managing evidence and coordination with national partners; integrated SAP and STO capabilities into tactical and operational planning.
   • Trained and mentored U.S. and foreign forces in intelligence, CI, tactical HUMINT, small-unit tactics, and weapons employment (skill levels 1–4).

Skills

Education and certifications

Service record

Branch

U.S. Army

Rank

E-7

Years served

1984 – 2011

Specialty / MOS

11b, 18B, 18F, ASOT III

Security clearance

Top Secret/SCI