Admiral Eric T. Olson retired from the United States Navy in 2011 after more than 38 years of military service. He served in special operations units throughout his career, deployed for several contingency operations and commanded at every level. Recognized for both service and valor, his awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and appointment as an Officer in the French Legion of Honor. Admiral Olson was the first Navy SEAL officer to be promoted to three- and four-star ranks.
Admiral Olson’s career culminated as the head of the United States Special Operations Command, where he was responsible for the mission readiness of all Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps special operations forces. In this capacity, he led over 60,000 people and managed an annual budget in excess of $10 billion dollars.
Admiral Olson is now an independent consultant who supports a wide range of private and public sector organizations. Among his current endeavors, he is an Adjunct Faculty Member in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, a Director of Iridium Communications, Inc. and Under Armour, Inc., a Director of the non-profit Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and a senior advisor to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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