Dave Neely is an O2X Lead Instructor from Chattanooga, TN. A class of 2003 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, he served 5 years as a Surface Warfare Officer. After the Navy, Dave enlisted in the National Guard and served 4 years in 19th Special Forces Group before transitioning to active duty and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Special Forces Qualification Course class.Once on active duty, Dave was assigned to 5th Special Forces Group where he was a member of a Military Free-Fall specialty team as well as a Combat Diver/Maritime team. His final assignment before retirement was to the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in Ft. Bragg, NC. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve, and is the recipient of 2 Bronze Star Medals, the Purple Heart Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and numerous other personal and unit awards.Dave is a Crossfit athlete and enjoys long distance running and swimming. He is a PADI Divemaster, a NAUI Master Diver, and formerly held a U.S. Parachuting Association B-license. He is an avid firearms enthusiast and instructor. As a recent military retiree, he enjoys spending his free time with his family as often as possible.