Avant-Garde Concepts LLC is proud to introduce an expanded and reimagined Mission Support Training & Exercises Advisory Board — a distinguished group of senior military leaders whose impact on U.S. Army readiness, Special Operations, and Joint force development spans decades, theaters, and generations of warfighters.
This Advisory Board represents far more than a list of accomplished leaders. It is a curated coalition of experience, integrity, and operational wisdom—individuals who have commanded, served, and shaped some of the most critical missions and organizations in modern military history.
As you explore this section, you will find professional photos, detailed biographies, and personal insights from each member—highlighting the exceptional depth they bring to the AGC mission.
The world our warfighters operate in continues to evolve rapidly. Training must be realistic, adaptive, multi-domain, and fully integrated across SOF, conventional forces, interagency partners, and international allies. To meet the rising complexity of readiness and exercise requirements, AGC has assembled a Board whose experience reflects:
With their guidance, AGC strengthens its ability to deliver training and exercise support that is not only contract-compliant, but operationally relevant, strategically informed, and authentically aligned with the warfighter.
Each member brings a unique perspective—shaped by years of command, combat experience, and strategic influence. Their photos and biographies below will provide a closer look into the careers and contributions of:
These leaders have stood at the crossroads of strategic decision-making, operational execution, and Soldier development. Now, they stand alongside Avant-Garde Concepts—bringing their experience, judgment, and advocacy to our mission.
By integrating senior-level perspectives into our strategy, AGC ensures that every training solution, exercise support effort, and readiness initiative we deliver is informed by:
This Advisory Board strengthens our foundation and sharpens our ability to serve the Joint Force, SOF enterprise, and partner organizations worldwide.
Major General (Ret.) Kurt Fuller brings decades of senior command experience and special Major General (Ret.) Kurt Fuller brings decades of senior command experience and special operations leadership to Avant-Garde Concepts. Throughout his career, MG Fuller guided SOF units across multiple combatant commands, focusing on training readiness, mission rehearsal, and force modernization. He is widely recognized for advancing enterprise-level SOF training architectures, integrating emerging operational requirements, and strengthening the linkage between training outcomes and operational performance.
MG Fuller culminated his military service as Deputy Commanding General of I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, following senior leadership assignments that shaped U.S. and coalition operations across multiple theaters. His distinguished command history includes:
Senior General Officer Leadership
Special Operations & Joint Leadership
MG Fuller held several pivotal assignments inside JSOC, evidencing deep operational expertise across global crisis and counterterrorism missions:
His earlier leadership roles include serving as Deputy Commanding General (Operations) of the 82nd Airborne Division, Commander of 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and multiple command and staff positions within the 75th Ranger Regiment, including Company Command, Assistant S–3, and Executive Officer.
As an Advisory Board member, MG Fuller provides strategic counsel on SOF readiness, large-scale exercises, and enterprise training solutions, ensuring AGC’s work remains grounded in current and emerging warfighter needs. MG Fuller was also inducted into the U.S. Army’s Ranger Hall of Fame.
Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret.) Jack L. Tilley served as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army from June 2000 to January 2004. A career Soldier and Vietnam veteran, he held numerous leadership positions across the Army, including tank commander, drill sergeant, platoon sergeant, senior instructor, first sergeant, and command sergeant major during his 36 years of service.
As SMA, he served as the principal enlisted advisor to the Army Chief of Staff, focusing on Soldier training, quality of life, and policies affecting enlisted personnel and their families. He traveled extensively throughout the Army to observe training, assess conditions, and engage directly with Soldiers and families. SMA Tilley routinely participated in councils and boards influencing Army-wide decisions and was frequently called to testify before Congress on enlisted issues.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf clusters, and numerous other honors recognizing his service and leadership.
Following retirement, SMA Tilley co-founded the American Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring veterans and supporting their welfare, education, and transition needs.
As an Advisory Board member, SMA Tilley brings strategic insight into enlisted policy, training standards, veteran transition, and the broader ecosystem of support required to sustain an effective, ready, and resilient force.
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Richard E. “Rick” Merritt retired from active duty after nearly 36 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 25 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment and over five years of continuous combat operations under Joint Special Operations Command. He has conducted more than 1,500 combat raids across Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and held leadership roles from squad level through theater-level senior enlisted positions.
CSM Merritt’s key assignments include serving as the 14th Regimental Sergeant Major of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) for two JSOC task forces, Division Command Sergeant Major for the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), and CSEL to the Commander, Eighth U.S. Army in Korea—where he also served as acting CSEL for U.S. Forces Korea. He later served in the Office of the Sergeant Major of the Army at the Pentagon, working special military projects and high-level initiatives.
His awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award), Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and numerous campaign and unit awards. He has been recognized as a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Induction into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame, 10th Mountain Division Hall; Eighth Army Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice – Primicerius.
As an Advisory Board member, CSM Merritt brings deep operational, SOF, and joint training insight, advising AGC on Soldier-centric training design, leader development, and large-scale readiness efforts.
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Ralph C. Borja is a highly respected senior enlisted leader with extensive experience in joint, space, and missile defense operations, as well as large-scale Army formations. He served as the Command Sergeant Major and Senior Enlisted Leader for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command (USASMDC/ARSTRAT), advising the Commanding General and staff on morale, welfare, health, training, and discipline for globally dispersed personnel.
CSM Borja previously served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Headquarters, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and for 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, where he oversaw NCO professional development, training standards, and the readiness of rapidly deployable brigades engaged in complex operations and coalition environments.
Following his Army career, he transitioned to senior roles in industry, including Director of Business Development and National Military Account Manager positions supporting SOCOM, the National Guard, and Active Component formations. In these roles, he managed multimillion-dollar portfolios, led national-level military engagement, and advised executives on DoD requirements.
Decorated for valor and service, CSM Borja’s awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge with 2 combat jump stars, and induction into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.
As an Advisory Board member, he provides AGC with seasoned advice on training readiness, Soldier and family welfare, NCO development, and the practical realities of executing training and exercises across joint and multinational formations.
Rear Admiral Matthew “Matt” Burns, USN (Ret.), brings more than three decades of distinguished service in Naval Special Warfare and Joint Special Operations to Avant-Garde Concepts’ Advisory Board. A native of Metuchen, New Jersey, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1988 and graduated from Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training (BUD/S) Class 158. His early career included operational assignments with SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Team ONE, SEAL Team FIVE, and the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.
Commissioned through the Seaman to Admiral Program in 1995, Rear Adm. Burns was designated a Naval Special Warfare Officer and went on to build an exceptional career leading elite special operations forces. He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, further strengthening his expertise in operational strategy and leadership.
Throughout his career, Rear Adm. Burns served in key operational roles at SEAL Team TWO and SEAL Team EIGHT. At the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, he held critical leadership positions including troop commander, group operations officer, selection and training director, and deputy commander—shaping the development and readiness of the nation’s most specialized forces.
His command assignments include Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron FIVE, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, and multiple Joint Special Operations Task Forces, where he led complex, high-risk missions in dynamic operational environments.
In addition to his operational leadership, Rear Adm. Burns held influential staff roles, including Naval Special Warfare Officer Community Manager and senior leadership positions at Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) as Deputy J3 and J3. He culminated his career as a flag officer serving as Assistant Commander, Joint Special Operations Command, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing global special operations missions.
As an Advisory Board member, Rear Adm. Burns brings to Avant-Garde Concepts a deep understanding of special operations, training and readiness, and mission execution at the highest levels. His insight and leadership directly support the company’s commitment to delivering mission-focused, high-impact solutions in support of the warfighter.