Special Operations and other military veterans excel as environmental monitors and surveyors because they bring unmatched discipline, situational awareness, and adaptability to challenging field conditions. Their training in operating effectively in remote, high-pressure environments translates directly to safe, precise, and reliable compliance work. With a mission-first mindset and proven ability to work seamlessly within diverse teams, they are a force multiplier for any project.

Caitlin first saw this potential during her time as the Biological Compliance Manager for the 700 mile Greenlink Transmission Project, where she brought veterans onto the team for field monitoring. Every field lead quickly recognized them as some of the most reliable personnel in the field. They learned quickly, were observant, respected chain of command, worked smoothly with construction crews, took direction easily, and understood their role and how to execute it. That experience was the spark that inspired the founding of Desert Shield: a firm built on the idea that veterans—especially those from Special Operations—are uniquely equipped to excel in the field.

Josh recognized another critical opportunity. Many veterans, particularly those from the national guard or reserves, balance their service work with civilian careers — often through contract roles abroad for private firms. He saw a strong demand for something different, meaningful domestic opportunities that would let veterans apply their operational and observational expertise without leaving the country or their families for months at a time. By reaching into his extensive network of highly trained veterans, Desert Shield began building a pipeline that connects these skilled professionals with compliance-driven environmental careers here at home.

That foundation, combined with the trusted network of experienced biologists Caitlin has built over more than a decade of consulting, is how Desert Shield delivers compliance support that is reliable, safe, and efficient. By blending veteran precision with seasoned biological expertise, we provide clients with a team that can mobilize quickly, operate seamlessly in remote environments, and ensure projects stay on schedule while meeting all regulatory requirements.