COL Greg Wilson (Ret.) is a distinguished military strategist, defense technology advisor, educator, and entrepreneur whose career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to advancing military effectiveness through innovation, leadership, and operational excellence. With more than four decades of combined military, academic, and private-sector experience, Greg has established himself as a respected authority in special operations, emerging defense technologies, artificial intelligence applications, military procurement, and strategic advisory services. His ability to bridge the gap between innovative technology companies and the operational needs of the military has positioned him as a trusted advisor across the defense, intelligence, and national security sectors.
Greg began his professional journey at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research. His early academic foundation cultivated a disciplined approach to analytical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving that would define his career. Motivated by a strong sense of duty and leadership, he entered military service with a commitment to serving at the highest levels of operational leadership while continuously seeking innovative solutions to complex mission challenges.
Over the course of his 28-year military career, Greg rose through the ranks as a career Green Beret and Senior Special Operations Forces Officer within the United States Army Special Forces. Throughout his service, he led highly sensitive missions and commanded elite joint-force teams in some of the world’s most challenging operational environments. His military leadership required not only tactical expertise, but also the ability to manage geopolitical complexity, build international partnerships, and integrate evolving technologies into mission execution. Greg became known for his calm leadership under pressure, strategic foresight, and ability to drive operational success in dynamic and high-risk situations.
One of the most defining moments of Greg’s military career occurred during his service in Colombia, where he commanded a Joint Special Operations Task Force and served as senior military advisor to both Colombian Special Operations Forces and the United States Ambassador during Operation Jaque (Checkmate). In this role, he played a critical part in the successful rescue of 15 U.S. and Colombian hostages on 2 July 2008 who had been held by the FARC for over 5 years. His leadership during this operation showcased his ability to leverage advanced intelligence capabilities, innovative surveillance technologies, and unconventional operational strategies to achieve strategic outcomes. The mission remains a powerful example of his ability to combine technology, leadership, and operational expertise to solve highly complex challenges.
Greg also served as Commander of Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, where he supported counterinsurgency operations and strengthened strategic military partnerships throughout Southeast Asia. His work in the Philippines further reinforced his expertise in unconventional warfare, coalition operations, and international security cooperation. These assignments expanded his understanding of global defense dynamics and sharpened his ability to lead multinational efforts focused on achieving long-term strategic stability.
In addition to his operational leadership, Greg became widely recognized for his pioneering work in military technology integration and innovation. Hand-selected to lead USSOCOM Research and Special Operations Forces Battle Lab initiatives, he evaluated emerging technologies designed to address capability gaps for the warfighter. His efforts included assessing applications for hyperspectral imagery, unmanned aerial systems, advanced ISR platforms, social media sentiment analysis, and network analysis technologies. Greg consistently demonstrated the rare ability to identify practical military applications for emerging technologies while ensuring alignment with operational realities and procurement processes.
Greg’s passion for education and strategic development also led him into academia, where he served as the USSOCOM Chaired Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School and later as a professor at the Joint Special Operations University. In these influential roles, he mentored military leaders, guided advanced research initiatives, and collaborated with defense innovators focused on solving future operational challenges. His work included leading research efforts focused on identifying covert networks, analyzing unconventional threats, and exploring advanced analytical methodologies for military applications. Greg’s contributions to military education reinforced his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist capable of integrating operational knowledge with technological advancement.
Following his retirement from active military service, Greg transitioned into the private sector and co-founded Gantz-Mountain Intelligence Automation Systems, Inc., a high-technology startup focused on integrating artificial intelligence applications with tactical surveillance systems for defense and law enforcement customers. As Vice President of Applications and Consulting Services, Greg developed strategic engagement plans that connected innovative technologies with the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, federal law enforcement organizations, and foreign military partners. His leadership helped position the company as a valuable contributor to defense modernization and advanced operational capabilities.
During his tenure with Gantz-Mountain, Greg played a key role in developing grassroots networks of military operators and early adopters who provided essential feedback for refining technology applications in expeditionary environments. He helped secure Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to support capability development, integrated technologies into military experimentation exercises, and expanded partnerships across military services and international allies. Greg also cultivated strong relationships with defense contractors, procurement channels, and technology integration partners, helping accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions within highly regulated defense ecosystems.
Greg’s expertise extends far beyond operational leadership and business development. He is also a respected author and thought leader who has contributed to military scholarship and strategic discussions on unconventional warfare, operational deception, social network analysis, and counterinsurgency operations. His published works in Military Review, Special Warfare Magazine, and collaborative military strategy publications reflect his dedication to advancing operational understanding and sharing lessons learned from decades of real-world leadership experience. His writing demonstrates both intellectual depth and practical insight into the evolving nature of modern warfare and defense innovation.
Throughout his career, Greg has remained deeply committed to mentorship, service, and community involvement. He actively supports nonprofit initiatives focused on foster children by serving as a Board Member for the State of the Children Project and is a member of the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation, Calvary Church in Monterey, West Point Society of Monterey and the Naval Postgraduate School Foundation. These efforts reflect his belief that leadership is rooted not only in professional success, but also in service to others, personal integrity, and a commitment to building stronger communities.
Known for his authenticity, strategic mindset, and collaborative leadership style, Greg consistently brings people together around a shared mission. Whether advising emerging technology companies, mentoring military professionals, speaking on defense innovation, or supporting strategic growth initiatives, he approaches every opportunity with humility, purpose, and a solutions-oriented mindset. His ability to connect operational needs with innovative technologies continues to make him a valuable advisor to organizations focused on advancing national security and defense capabilities.
As Greg continues expanding his work in advisory and board leadership roles, he brings an extraordinary combination of military leadership, entrepreneurial experience, academic excellence, and defense technology expertise. His career reflects a rare ability to operate effectively across government, industry, academia, and international partnerships while maintaining a clear focus on mission impact and operational success. Organizations seeking guidance in defense innovation, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, military procurement, and strategic growth benefit from Greg’s unmatched perspective, extensive network, and lifelong commitment to advancing the capabilities of those who serve on the front lines.
Character:
Greg Wilson consistently demonstrates integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to service in every aspect of his professional and personal life. His leadership style is grounded in trust, accountability, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. He is widely respected for his ability to lead with authenticity while maintaining a mission-first mindset focused on creating meaningful impact.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise in special operations, military procurement, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence applications, and defense modernization strategies. His unique blend of operational experience, academic leadership, and private-sector innovation gives him a comprehensive understanding of both strategic and tactical challenges. He continually applies decades of insight and experience to help organizations navigate complex operational and technological environments.
Strategic:
Greg has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to identify emerging opportunities, develop long-term solutions, and align innovative technologies with mission-critical objectives. His experience leading joint military operations and guiding defense-focused technology initiatives reflects exceptional strategic vision and execution. He understands how to connect people, partnerships, and technologies in ways that drive sustainable success and operational effectiveness.
Communication:
A highly effective communicator who excels at translating complex military, operational, and technical concepts into clear and actionable strategies. His experience as a commander, professor, advisor, and public speaker has strengthened his ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences. Whether working with executives, entrepreneurs, military leaders, or technology teams, he communicates with clarity, credibility, and purpose.
