The SOTF Team is excited to announce that Michelle Gottschalk has successfully transitioned into a Lead Planner in the G2 under Intelligence Security & Cooperation at Marine Forces Europe Africa (MARFOREUR/AF).

Michelle is a seasoned Special Operations intelligence officer and DoD civilian who recently completed five years of active service in the United States Army as a CW4 after 24 years of selfless service. A snapshot of some of Michelle’s accomplishments includes: 🇺🇸 Michelle is the senior HUMINT officer at Special Operations Command Europe. During her tenure, she served as the HUMINT Operations Chief and covered down as the J2X at both Theater Special Operations Commands Europe and Africa. Michelle is also a certified Foreign Disclosure Officer and was the command FDO at Special Operations Command Africa. She is a dual-persona Department of Defense civilian transitioning back to federal service after five years of Contingency Active-Duty Operational Support and Active-Duty Operational Support supporting two TSOCs. 🇺🇸 Michelle has two master’s degrees (Diplomacy & Sports Management). 🇺🇸 Michelle is prioritizing her free time to raise her son and doing as much as she can while he is still small, including seeing more of Europe. She will remain involved as a U-16 tackle football coach and continue to impart her wisdom from years of playing with the young kids participating in the Stuttgart Scorpions. "The SOTF Team brings so much drive and determination to fellows. They welcomed me with open arms and provided me with tremendous opportunities to network with fellows and alumni. Whatever I needed, the team was there to provide me with the path and runway to explore and be successful. I appreciate the responsiveness of the core team and the coaches, as I was not just going through one life-changing transition, but also expecting our firstborn at the same time. I know I have allies in my corner, even after I am done with this next chapter." To learn more about Michelle’s incredible leadership journey, connect with her on LinkedIn. #TransitionTuesday #SOTF #specialoperators #usarmy #SOFOperators