JILES MANESS
Santa Cruz
Summary
Former U.S. Navy SEAL Officer with extensive experience leading protective and high-risk operations across global theaters. Combines elite tactical training with graduate-level education in innovation, artificial intelligence, and mental health to deliver intelligent, disciplined, and discreet protection. Known for composure under pressure, mission-first leadership, and an adaptive, client-focused approach to safety and privacy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Troop Commander
Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command (NSWAC)
01.2022 - 01.2025
- - Directed nationwide assessment and selection of Naval Special Warfare Officer candidates, ensuring only the highest-caliber leaders advanced to training.
- - Oversaw NSW recruiting operations and personnel evaluation, aligning acquisition strategies with community requirements.
- - Led leadership-development initiatives under high-stress conditions, reinforcing standards of integrity, performance, and readiness.
- - Managed safety, logistics, and mentorship for candidate assessment programs at scale.
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Master of Science in Applied Design for Innovation | Focus: Artificial Intelligence Systems Development
- - Conducted applied research on adaptive design, technology integration, and human-performance optimization for defense and civilian systems.
Foxtrot Platoon, Squad Commander, Dive Operations Officer in Charge
SEAL Team 4
01.2019 - 01.2021
- - Led maritime and sub-surface mission planning and execution as Dive Operations OIC, conducting complex pre-deployment and joint operations across EUCOM and AFRICOM.
- - Executed joint diving missions with partner-nation special-operations forces, enhancing interoperability, precision, and operational reach in denied environments.
- - Integrated multi-domain intelligence and tactical coordination to support special reconnaissance and strategic targeting objectives.
- - Augmented with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) during AFRICOM deployment (2019), providing advanced maritime and sub-surface capability support.
- - Directed readiness, training progression, and post-mission analysis to sustain peak unit performance.
Class 329, Honor Man
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S)
01.2016 - 01.2017
- - Graduated as Class Honor Man, the top performer in leadership, academics, and physical standards.
- - Completed SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) with Class 330.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Design for Innovation
Naval Postgraduate School
Monterey, CA01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Oceanography
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD01.2016
Skills
- - Executive & Personal Protection
- - Evasive & Off-Road Driving / Vehicle Bailouts
- - Threat & Risk Assessment
- - Crisis Management & Tactical Response
- - Intelligence Integration & Situational Awareness
- - Multi-Agency Coordination
- - Maritime & Sub-Surface Operations
- - Leadership & Personnel Development
- - Physical & Mental Performance Optimization
Certification
- - T1G Evasive & Off-Road Driving (with Vehicle Bailouts) | Completed
- - NASM Certified Personal Trainer | 2025–Present
- - BUD/S Class 329 Graduate – Class Honor Man
- - SEAL Qualification Training (SQT) Class 330 Graduate
- - Joint Professional Military Education (JPME I/II – In Progress, U.S. Naval War College)
- - Advanced Tactical Driving, Weapons Proficiency & Close Protection Training
- - Active U.S. Government Security Clearance (eligible for renewal if expired)
- - Certificate in Clinical Mental Health — University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Timeline
Troop Commander
Naval Special Warfare Assessment Command (NSWAC)
01.2022 - 01.2025
Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Foxtrot Platoon, Squad Commander, Dive Operations Officer in Charge
SEAL Team 4
01.2019 - 01.2021
Class 329, Honor Man
Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S)
01.2016 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Oceanography
United States Naval Academy
Master of Science - Applied Design for Innovation
Naval Postgraduate School
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Disciplined, discreet, and grounded. Maintains a calm presence under pressure with strong emotional intelligence and threat-anticipation skills. Blends strategic awareness with empathy and professional composure to protect principals and preserve privacy at the highest standards of conduct.