Security Operations Summit 2026

R. Patrick Meffert hails from Whiteford, MD. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 1986 as an infantryman at Fort Benning, GA. In 1992, Patrick attended the Special Forces Qualification Course and upon graduation was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Over the course of his career, he continually developed himself and his capabilities by attending the toughest physical and mental courses in Special Forces. These courses include the Combat Divers Course and the Special Forces Medical Course. He also completed the demanding counter terrorism course, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course (SFARTEAC) and was selected to stand up CINC in-Extremis unit. During his 30 years of service, he participated in numerous operations to include Operation UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, Operation JOINT ENDEAVOR, Operation FOCUS RELIEF I, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007-2008, and 2010-2012) and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2006. In 2011 CSM (Ret) Meffert was selected to serve as the Command Sergeant Major for the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (Afghanistan) while simultaneously serving as the Command Sergeant Major for 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Patick holds numerous certificates of training and various military awards for his dedicated service. After his Military service he began teaching Active Shooter Response to 1st Responders throughout the nation as the lead adjunct instructor with the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program at Texas State University. This Department of Justice grant funded program is partnered with the FBI and is the national standard in active shooter response and training. Patrick has led or taught over 200 5 day (40 Hour) courses and over 100 2 day (16 Hour) deliveries to various agencies across the United States. In 2023 Patrick due to increase attacks globally he decided to start his own Company, Achilles Strategic Readiness Inc. His company is partnered with ALERRT teaching active attack response internationally to 1st responders and communities that do not qualify for grant funding. His company specializes security consultation, tactical & medical training , and educating civilians how to respond to an active attack. . Patrick holds a BAS Degree from Campbell University (2013) and a MBA from Methodist University (2015). He is the President and Chairman of the Board for the Frontline Healing Foundation and received the Bronze Order of the St Phillip Neri award for his dedication to the Special Forces Regiment.