His top priority is assisting Gen Votel, SOCOM commander, in furthering the command’s priorities, which include: SOF Readiness, modernizing the force, optimizing human performance, preserving our force and families, and continuining to build global relationships. These include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V-Device and 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge Second Award, Master Military Freefall Parachutist Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Special Ops Diver’s Supervisor Badge, and the Australian Parachutist Badge.Īs the senior enlisted advisor, Thetford applies his knowledge and experience to bettering the SOCOM force.
Thetford has performed with excellence throughout his career earning him several awards and decorations. He also holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Science Studies and a Master’s of Corporate Security. Throughout his career, Thetford has completed the Ranger Course, Jumpmaster Course, Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course, Special Forces Operations and Intelligence Course, Pathfinder Course, Special Forces Combat Diver Supervisor Course, USA Sergeants Major Academy, Senior Leaders Force Management Course, and Keystone Course. Thetford’s broad education has also prepared him to lead SOCOM’s vast assortment of joint special operators. His experience and leadership throughout all of these deployments make Thetford an invaluable part of the SOCOM team.
He has also participated in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. Thetford has deployed multiple times throughout his career, supporting Operation URGENT FURY, United Nations Operation in Somalia II, and Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, EW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. Thetford, US Special Operations Command senior enlisted advisor, has served in the United States Army for 34 years and brings 25 years of special operations enlisted leadership to nearly 70,000 USSOCOM personnel.