Wilson “Al” Shoffner retired from active duty in March 2020 after serving 32 years in the United States Army. Before his retirement, Mr. Shoffner was the Commanding General of the Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill. Throughout his decorated military career, Gen. Shoffner held key positions that showcased his leadership and operational expertise. He served on the Army Staff at the Pentagon as the Director of the Army Talent Management Task Force, and the Director of Operations for the Army Rapid Capabilities Office. His general officer assignments included Deputy Chief of Staff-Communications for the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 for Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Deputy Commanding General-Support for the 1st Armored Division.
From 2003 to 2005, Mr. Shoffner was the Deputy Chief of Plans for the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in Rheindalen, Germany. As a Colonel, he served as the Army’s liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives. His command experience encompasses leadership positions with B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, and the 18th Fires Brigade.
Gen. Shoffner’s operational deployments include significant missions in Saudi Arabia and Iraq during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, as well as Afghanistan in 2003, where he served as the Chief of Plans for the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a Battalion Commander during Joint Task Force Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, and led the 2-319th in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007, participating in the “surge” of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Since retiring, Mr. Shoffner founded Shoffner & Associates, LLC and has transitioned to a role as a senior consultant, advising defense-focused small and medium-sized businesses. He serves as an external reviewer for the RAND Corporation’s Arroyo Center and has been a corporate board member for a technology-based company while chairing several defense-related conferences.
With over 15 years of experience in executive-level positions, Mr. Shoffner excels in operational planning, team building, crisis communications, and problem-solving. He is dedicated to fostering partnerships between industry and the U.S. government, committed to delivering innovative solutions for warfighters.
A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations in 1988. He also holds a Master of Military Art and Science degree from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.