ABOUT SFTA
South Florida Tactical Athletes, LLC (SFTA) has been a vision for Lieutenant Colonel Arnold T Stocker for many years. Stocker went into the military as a young teen and didn’t realize the tremendous opportunities that existed for young men and women that desired to become part of an elite group. He eventually learned about Special Operations and specifically the elite group of men in the US Army's Special Forces (Green Berets) and USAF Pararescue (PJ’s). These groups are regarded as the most elite force multiplier and rescue specialists in the world and Stocker trained to become part of these teams. These men are highly trained special operators with many capabilities and a unique missions: to save lives. These special teams require an enormous amount of mental and physical agility as they adapt, overcome, rescue and bring home people that had succumb to disastrous situations. Lt Col Stocker has endured many physical and mental challenges to rise to this unique position as a PJ and has always had a desire to give back to young men and women that want to become a part of the military. South Florida Tactical Athletes, LLC was founded by Lt Col Stocker in 2012 and is a program that prepares candidates for Special Operations Selection Courses, i.e. Air Force Pararescue, Combat Control, Tactical Air Control Party, Special Operations Weather Technician, and Survival Instructor; Navy SEAL, SWCC, and Divers; Marine Force Recon and MARSOC; Army Special Forces and Rangers, and Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers. South Florida Tactical Athletes primes you to “Expand Your Circle of Comfort” in preparation for your special operations selection course.
WHAT IS A TATHLETE?
South Florida Tactical Athletes, LLC has coined the term "Tathlete" to signify one of our Tactical Athlete members. Tathletes are individuals that have joined the SFTA Team. They learn how to train, move, operate and communicate as a team; thereby increasing the returns one can get as an individual. Tathletes learn about sister services and each ones capabilities. Members come to SFTA to join the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard's elite units.
INSTRUCTOR COLE
Cole a Former 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion communicator has an extensive 26 year local and federal law enforcement career. He has served on Emergency Response Teams as an operator and tactical medic. Cole is a 3x World and 3x Pan American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion. He has trained with and trained a broad spectrum of operators in the military and law enforcement special operations communities in an array of tactics to include hand to hand combat, edged weapons, Close Quarters Combat (CQC), undercover operations, and combat wound care. He has a passion for working with Veterans past and present and serves as a mentor in several veteran organizations that help returning Veterans readjust to civilian life. Cole currently sponsors a 100% free program that teaches Veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) and their families Jiu Jitsu as a form of therapy. The knowledge, expertise and years of experience Kini brings to SFTA is a tremendous asset to anyone joining as a Tathlete.
INSTRUCTOR STOCKER
Stocker, SFTA’s Founder, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) and Paramedic with over 20 years of patient care and teaching experience. During much of that time he has served as an Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant with the 20th Special Forces Group, Maryland National Guard and also as an Air Force Reserves Pararescueman at the 301st Rescue Squadron. He has experience with both the special operations and conventional rescue operations during his worldwide deployments. A graduate of the Army’s Master Fitness Trainer Course and the USMC’s High Intensity Tactical Training (HITT) Course, Stocker has been actively training individuals and teams for military and the civilian sector for years to “Expand Your Circle of Comfort!” He seeks to expand his vision to make SFTA the premier SOF prep program in all of Florida.
INSTRUCTOR O'BRIEN
MARINES Special Operations Command (MARSOC) 2d Force Reconnaissance Company (2dRECONCo) Fleet Marine Force Atlantic (FMFLANT) II Marines Expeditionary Forces (II-MEF) serving, surviving, and sacrificing for the “Greater Good”. O’Brien brings leadership, motivation, and enthusiasm to organizations and programs worldwide. Providing various courses in SCUBA, survival, medical, tactical, physical fitness, etc. Serving our community as an ambassador for the disabled non-profit programs, he gives valuable caregiver assistance to our returning Wounded Warrior Veterans. Business owner of Aquanauts SCUBA Academy, his charitable sponsorship continues to provide much desired logistics to any organization. A valued member of our SFTA Tathlete Instructors!
LINDA HOPSON
Linda is our Business Development/Social Media Strategist and has over 25+ years of corporate, entrepreneurial and life experience. She is a coach, social media strategist, water hydration specialist, certified nutritionist and has a wealth of knowledge in Information Technology. She has successfully started, managed and sold two businesses and ensures that South Florida Tactical Athletes follows best practices in regards to education, training, business development and social engagement.
