A former US Navy SEAL and CIA Contractor, Shawn Ryan is the Founder/CEO of Vigilance Elite.
Shawn enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18 and began his journey of becoming a Navy SEAL where he served with SEAL Teams 2 and 8 deploying to multiple conflict zones and fighting in both OIF (Iraq) and OEF (Afghanistan). After leaving the US Navy and Navy Special Warfare Community, Shawn continued to serve his country as a CIA Contractor involved in US intelligence clandestine operations.
During his 14 years of combat experience as both a Navy SEAL and CIA Contractor, Shawn made over 20 deployments to combat zones in 14 different areas of operations. As the focus of this country’s fight against terrorism expanded from the anti-Al-Qaeda and Taliban Operations “Enduring Freedom” and “Iraqi Freedom” to The Islamic State (ISIS) Operation “Inherent Resolve,” Shawn left the Special Operations Community to pursue a new career and bring his skillset to the home front.
As the fight against terrorism increasingly found its way to the United States, Shawn founded Vigilance in December 2015 to provide training to both the civilian and law enforcement sectors. Vigilance’s purpose is to teach and instill the unique skills and mindset of a Navy SEAL to those who want to learn to defend themselves and their families against imminent threats.
Shawn is also very involved with helping his brothers in the Special Operations Community who are ready to transition into the civilian life. As the Primary Special Operations Outreach Consultant for Veterans Advocacy Services, Shawn educates Special Operations Veterans on their entitled benefits and helps facilitate the complex and difficult transition from elite warrior to civilian life.
