Andrew Wood
Hereford
Summary
Soon to retire, highly motivated, Special Forces senior professional highly experienced in executive and close protection, with a focus on strategic security management and global operational effectiveness. Strong leadership abilities complemented by excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Experienced with short or no-notice calls, while capable of operating in demanding environments, leveraging technology and critical thinking for optimal security solutions. Upholds discretion and professionalism in all security-related activities.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
8076
8076
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Ops Warrant Officer/Deputy Commander Advisor (WO1)
NATO Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM)
Mons, Belgium
12.2024 - 07.2025
- Providing senior domain advisory support to SOFCOM leadership, influencing strategic operational planning and multi-national coordination.
- Engaging in high-level theatre visits with a 2-star general in NATO nation operational environments, demonstrating direct executive support and protection in dynamic environments.
- Expertly coordinating security operations with diverse international agencies and partners, reinforcing cross-functional collaboration skills, including NATO SOF response options to Countering Hybrid Threats.
- Responsible for developing redesign of SOFCOM organisational set up, processes and functions to better meet modern challenges of operational requirements .
Current & Future Operations Warrant Officer (WO2)
Tactical Group Headquarters, HM Forces
Hereford, Oxfordshire
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Managed readiness and deployment of assets for Stand-By Task Force during three crises in the Middle East.
- Oversaw key supporting operations in the Levant Region, ensuring troop readiness and equipping.
- Advised senior command on critical decisions to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Assisted in planning and executing complex strategies to mitigate future security risks.
- Developed and revised training programmes to ensure personnel preparedness for operations.
- Collaborated within a diverse, multi-disciplinary team to achieve successful organisational outcomes.
- High-readiness position.
Senior Logistics & Supply Chain Manager (WO2)
HM Forces
Hereford
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Responsible to the unit Quartermaster for the management and welfare of a 20 person regimental logistical department.
- Oversaw critical logistical and supply chain operations for multiple task units deployed in Baltic Sea Region, overseas exercises and UK based training.
- Demonstrated exceptional organisational skills to enhance operational efficiency.
- Applied innovative approaches to solve complex problems effectively.
- Exhibited strong time management abilities to ensure timely project delivery.
East Africa Special Forces Liaison Officer (SSgt)
HM Forces
East Africa
12.2019 - 10.2021
- Cultivated critical relationships with host nation security forces and international agencies across East Africa.
- Designed and trained Host Nation Special Missions unit for counter-terrorism and protective security tasks.
- Coordinated and facilitated deployment of UK-based specialist support teams to fulfil operational and training requirements in the region.
- Coordinated complex security duties, ensuring alignment with UK strategic objectives.
- Communicated regularly with in-country team members to maintain operational coherence.
- Provided strategic counsel to senior military and diplomatic leadership within East African and UK organisations.
Ops Co-ordinator, Discreet Squadron (SSgt)
HM Forces
09.2018 - 11.2019
- Led and executed discreet protective operations, ensuring the safety and security of designated individuals and assets across multiple Middle East and East Africa deployments.
- Pivotal in conducting advance force operations, and developing/implementing robust security plans.
- Responsible for the timely and secure collection, analysis, and dissemination of highly confidential information.
B Squadron Operations Staff Sergeant
HM Forces
Hereford
01.2017 - 08.2018
- Managed half-Task Force element as Ops Officer during operations.
- Executed daily security operations while mentoring a team of protection professionals.
- Coordinated management of air platforms and partner forces on overseas missions.
- Produced reports for higher headquarters, showcasing verbal and written communication skills.
- Collaborated with external agencies to ensure operational alignment and preparedness.
Technical Surveillance Operator Chief (Sgt)
HM Forces
Hereford
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Led high-readiness operational team in delivering advanced training for technical surveillance.
- Developed regimental Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) capability and associated procedures.
- Demonstrated proficiency in advanced security software and hardware systems.
- Collaborated with governmental and external partners to enhance delivery capabilities.
Special Forces Operator (Tpr- Sgt)
HM Forces
Hereford
07.2006 - 01.2015
- Executed infiltration operations for unit over mountainous terrain, both above and below snowline.
- Participated in Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations in Levant region and extensive tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- Provided protection for partner agencies and senior officers during critical missions.
Highly Specialised Troop within Discreet Squadron, Senior Operator
HM Forces
Hereford
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Participated in a high-readiness team, deploying on short or no-notice assignments.
- Executed sensitive operations and protective services in high-stress environments worldwide.
- Collaborated with various agencies and partners to achieve operational success.
- Maintained team Tactical Media Exploit (TME) capability for enhanced mission effectiveness.
Education
Master of Science (MSc) - High-Risk Operations and Governance
University of Liverpool
Liverpool, United KingdomLevel 5 Certificate - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
British Training Board
United KingdomLevel 2 Award - Maths
City and Guilds
United KingdomLevel 2 Award - English
City and Guilds
United KingdomSkills
- Executive Protection & Close Protection
- Strategic Security Management
- Leadership & Team Development
- Global Operations & International Travel
- Protection Concepts
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Confidentiality & Discretion
- Adaptability & Pressure Management
- Technological Proficiency
- Organisational & Problem-Solving
- Physical Fitness & Austere Environment Operations
Certification
- NATO Comprehensive Defence (Hybrid Threats and Resistance), 2025.
- NATO SOFEVAL Course, 2025.
- NATO SOCC, 2024.
- All-Arms RQMS Course, 2021.
- AeroVironment Inc (AV) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Course, 2015.
- Technical Camera Course, 2015.
- SF Senior Leaders Course, 2013.
- Blackhat Mac Exploitation course, 2012
- Tactical Media Exploitation Course, 2011.
- CT Advanced Driver, 2010.
- SAS Winter Mountain Cadre, 2008.
- Summer Mountain Cadre, 2007.
- Protective Security 1 (PS1), 2007.
- Dems Safety Officer (DSO) and Explosive Method Of Entry (Breaching), 2006.
- Passed SAS Selection, 2006.
- Platoon Sergeants Battle Course, 2004.
- Section Commanders Battle Course, 2001.
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Accomplishments
General Officer Commanding Iraq Commendation, 2005. For actions taking part in rescue of British Special Forces operators.
Affiliations
Rugby; Hiking; Reading; History; Travel; Camping.
Other
Married to a US Citizen and will relocate to West Covina, CA, upon retirement from military.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Ops Warrant Officer/Deputy Commander Advisor (WO1)
NATO Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM)
12.2024 - 07.2025
Current & Future Operations Warrant Officer (WO2)
Tactical Group Headquarters, HM Forces
10.2023 - 12.2024
Senior Logistics & Supply Chain Manager (WO2)
HM Forces
01.2022 - 09.2023
East Africa Special Forces Liaison Officer (SSgt)
HM Forces
12.2019 - 10.2021
Ops Co-ordinator, Discreet Squadron (SSgt)
HM Forces
09.2018 - 11.2019
B Squadron Operations Staff Sergeant
HM Forces
01.2017 - 08.2018
Technical Surveillance Operator Chief (Sgt)
HM Forces
01.2015 - 12.2016
Highly Specialised Troop within Discreet Squadron, Senior Operator
HM Forces
01.2011 - 01.2013
Special Forces Operator (Tpr- Sgt)
HM Forces
07.2006 - 01.2015
Master of Science (MSc) - High-Risk Operations and Governance
University of Liverpool
Level 5 Certificate - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
British Training Board
Level 2 Award - Maths
City and Guilds
Level 2 Award - English
City and Guilds
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