13+ Years Operational Experience • Army National Guard Veteran • Ukraine Combat Veteran • Nato Contractor • Maritime Security Contractor

Matthew Stanley is the founder and lead instructor of Eastern Front Defense Academy. With 13 years of real-world military, combat, and security operations experience, his instruction isn't pulled from a manual — it's drawn directly from environments where the wrong decision costs lives.

Combat Experience: Matthew served as an Infantry Team Leader with the U.S. Army National Guard and went on to operate in some of the most active conflict zones in the world. From 2022 to 2025, he was embedded with Ukrainian forces through the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (GUR) and the Armed Forces of Ukraine — participating in the Kharkiv counteroffensive, the Enerhodar amphibious assault, waterborne infiltration operations, and long-range reconnaissance missions in the Zaporizhia region. He also served as an OCONUS security contractor with NATO forces in Kosovo (KFOR).

Instructor Background: As a Tactical Operations Instructor with the Blue and Yellow Flag Foundation, Matthew designed and delivered training programs in infantry combat, urban warfare, close quarters tactics, and field survival to active military personnel. He has trained thousands of soldiers, security operators, and civilian personnel across multiple countries and operational environments.

Professional Credentials: Matthew is a USCCA Certified Firearms Instructor and also holds certifications in STCW, Ship Security Officer (SSO), Maritime Firearms Competency, Maritime Tactical Medical Care, USCCA Range Safety Officer (RSO), and USCCA Emergency First Aid Fundamentals. His background also includes work as a maritime security consultant leading anti-piracy operations and as a mobile advisory team leader instructing foreign military units in modern combat strategy.

Why Train With Matthew? Matthew brings 13 years of operational experience into his role as an instructor, with a background in military, security, and training environments. His instruction is built around safety, sound fundamentals, and practical skill development, giving students a disciplined and professional training experience rooted in real-world application.