Meet the United Defense Tactical Team

Jeff Lewis is a former Global Response Staff Mobile Security Officer with the CIA and a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with over 20 years of service. He completed 15 overseas rotations providing executive protection in high-threat environments including Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Israel, specializing in surveillance detection, route planning, and protective operations under direct threat conditions. He previously served with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in multiple leadership roles, deploying four times as part of Green Beret ODA teams. His experience includes unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, reconnaissance, and training indigenous forces, while managing secure communications and over $1M in specialized equipment. Jeff is a former Ranger School Instructor (Darby Phase), Combat Diver graduate, and Jumpmaster with 85+ jumps. He has trained hundreds of soldiers in firearms, small-unit tactics, airborne operations, and mission planning. His awards include four Bronze Star Medals and three Meritorious Service Medals.

Shane Ryder is a retired AZDPS Sergeant and current U.S. Army Reserve Counterintelligence Technician (CW4) with 20+ years of combined law enforcement and military experience. Holding a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies from ASU and an active TS/SCI clearance, he specializes in firearms instruction, high-risk operations, and criminal intelligence analysis. A former USMS Task Force Officer and SWAT Team Leader, Ryder led fugitive apprehension missions and built force-on-force training programs for AZDPS Detectives and Troopers. He also managed operations at the Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center, coordinating with government and NGO partners on threat intelligence and disaster preparedness. With extensive certifications in SWAT leadership, firearms, and counterintelligence operations, Ryder is a proven expert in planning and executing complex missions in high-stakes environments.

Ryan Armagost brings over a decade of continuous Executive Protection experience backed by 22 years of military service and 15 years in law enforcement. A seasoned weapons and tactics instructor, he spent most of his career in tactical team leadership, including SWAT/SERT, Mobile Field Force, K9, Gang Unit, and Crisis Intervention Teams. Ryan has extensive experience in high-risk transports, personal security details, and intelligence analysis for multiple drug task forces. As a military firearms, CQB, less-lethal, and combatives instructor, he trained thousands of U.S. and foreign military and police personnel both stateside and overseas. He completed two deployments to Iraq and one to Guantanamo Bay, where he led a platoon responsible for discreetly escorting high-value detainees. A former U.S. Marine Infantry Rifleman with Security Forces experience and a Top Secret/SCI clearance holder, Ryan retired after 22 years of distinguished military service.

Scott brings extensive experience in sales, tactical operations, and customer engagement making him a strong addition to the UDT Scottsdale team. From 2021- 2025 at our Costa Mesa flagship, he led introductory sessions and demonstrations for civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel, showcasing innovative training systems and building lasting client relationships. Scott’s tactical background includes a decade with United States Border Patrol, he conducted high-risk arrests, vehicle interdictions, and disrupted criminal organizations, he gathered intelligence on armed incursions, established observation posts, and earned multiple awards for high-impact operations, including major narcotics apprehensions and a critical rescue. His earlier U.S. Army service (1998–2003) as a Machine Gunner, Team Leader, and specialist in reconnaissance, further strengthened his leadership and tactical expertise. He also served as an Executive Protection Agent providing risk mitigation and security for high-profile clients. His strong communication and training skills will elevate the member enrollment experience at UDT Scottsdale.

Shane Waldo is a highly decorated former U.S. Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Operator with elite experience in reconnaissance, specialized operations, and advanced marksmanship. After supporting high-risk deployments and joint missions with U.S. Special Forces and international partners, Shane now serves as a Tactical Training Instructor at United Defense Tactical in Scottsdale, delivering realistic, confidence-building firearms and tactical training. Deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Shane executed over 100 long-range aerial reconnaissance missions and supported 11 major multinational exercises. His expertise includes HALO and static-line parachuting, helocasting, fast-roping, combat swimming, small boat operations, VBSS, close-quarters tactics, and specialized raid operations. A Gold Medalist in the Far East Pistol Shooting Competition, he was also recognized as a platoon high shooter and managed accountability for more than $25 million in weapons and equipment. Shane’s elite training includes advanced reconnaissance, SERE, multi-mission parachuting, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, VBSS, and multiple close-quarters combat courses. His disciplined, real-world approach ensures members receive safe, effective instruction rooted in operational excellence.

Brandon Wong is a former U.S. Marine and high-threat security specialist with over 20 years of military and private security experience. He served with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, leading Marines through two combat deployments to Iraq, specializing in urban warfare, convoy operations, and heavy weapons. He later worked as a WPPS II contractor for the U.S. Department of State, leading protective security details in Baghdad and Kabul for diplomats and high-level personnel, with expertise in PSD operations, counter-assault tactics, and high-risk motorcade movements. Brandon has trained Afghan and Jordanian forces in marksmanship, CQB, patrolling, and protective operations, and has supported security operations for the Department of Energy and other high-profile assets. He holds multiple advanced certifications, including WPPS II, TCCC, EMT-B, and DOE Tactical Response Force credentials, along with active security clearances.

Sarah Ortlund is a 27-year veteran health and fitness professional who seamlessly blends personal training, sports nutrition, and mental health coaching with over a decade of Krav Maga instruction. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and spent 17 years building and leading a thriving Krav Maga studio and gym. At United Defense Tactical (UDT), Sarah instructs our Women’s Self-Defense and Urban Threats classes. She integrates nutrition, psychology, self-defense, and movement science to help clients perform at their highest level, recover smarter, and live healthier, more confident lives. As a dedicated Krav Maga instructor, she designs and delivers progressive curricula that prioritize safety, real-world applicability, and confidence building. She teaches both foundational and advanced techniques through dynamic group classes and specialized workshops, creating an inclusive and empowering environment where students learn to assess risks, stay composed under pressure, and act decisively when it matters most.

Nolan Reitz is a combat-proven U.S. Army Squad Leader with nearly seven years of active-duty experience in tactical operations, leadership, and high-pressure decision-making. He has led mission-critical operations and trained over 100 soldiers as a certified Army Combatives Instructor, emphasizing real-world self-defense and performance under stress. An Expert-qualified marksman across multiple weapon systems, Nolan combines technical proficiency with a strong focus on safety and effective instruction, with operational deployments to the U.S. southern border and overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Spartan Shield. Beyond his tactical background, Nolan has served in key roles supporting soldier readiness and resilience, including Unit Prevention Leader and Suicide Awareness Representative—demonstrating his commitment to accountability and taking care of those around him. Certified in Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and the Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS), he brings a well-rounded, real-world approach to training that integrates firearms, medical readiness, and situational awareness. At United Defense Tactical, Nolan is dedicated to developing confident, capable individuals prepared to perform when it matters most.

Benjamin Murphy is an 11-year United States Marine Corps veteran, including six years with Marine Forces Special Operations Command as a combat-proven Critical Skills Operator. He has trained more than 175 U.S. and partner-nation personnel in machine gun gunnery, small-unit tactics, and mountain operations, while developing expertise in surveillance, route reconnaissance, and high-risk mission planning. Throughout deployments in PACOM and AFRICOM, Ben conducted extensive route surveys in denied environments, maintained accountability of $1.7 million in equipment, and played a key role in strengthening operational readiness for U.S. forces. A proven leader and instructor, Ben led Combined Anti-Armor Teams, supervised Marines in complex live-fire exercises, and developed battalion-level SOPs while training over 100 machine gunners and anti-tank specialists. He also instructed foreign military forces and supported pre-deployment exercises as a surveillance specialist, executing long-duration missions without detection. Now at United Defense Tactical, Ben brings his real-world experience into the civilian space—equipping individuals with practical firearms skills, tactical awareness, and a defensive mindset built for real-world application.

With over 25 years of martial arts experience, Clayton Mortensen brings a blend of real-world application, competitive experience, and instructional leadership to every class he teaches. A Muay Thai competitor and lifelong practitioner, Clayton has dedicated decades to mastering effective, pressure-tested martial disciplines. He was formerly the founder, owner and head instructor of a Fortified Krav Maga and Muay Thai gym, which he successfully operated for eight years, training civilians, LEO professionals, and high-risk individuals in practical self-defense, striking, and personal security. His teaching emphasizes mindset, decisiveness, and techniques proven to work under stress. Beyond the gym, Clayton’s experience extends into the field. He has served as a licensed bail enforcement agent in Utah and has worked in Executive Protection, providing security for high-level celebrities, politicians, and executives—including Jackie Chan. His background includes specialized operational work as an undercover operative supporting counter–child trafficking organizations, contributing to recovery and protection efforts while operating in high-risk environments. Clayton’s instruction is shaped not only by sport and tradition, but by real-world encounters where precision, adaptability, and accountability matter. His mission is to develop capable, confident individuals equipped to protect themselves and others—physically, mentally, and ethically.

Ken “Casey” Carscadden is a highly experienced Tactical Training Instructor at United Defense Tactical in Scottsdale, Arizona, with decades of service as a Naval Special Warfare advisor and instructor. He has trained Navy SEALs (Teams 1–5 and 7), SWCC units, Joint Special Operations Forces, LAPD SWAT, sheriff’s departments, Border Patrol, Federal Air Marshals, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel. His expertise spans water-based combat, CQB, counterterrorism tactics, arrest and control techniques, and maritime operations. Casey has also designed and led advanced programs such as the Navy SEAL Assault Knife course and international police training initiatives, shaping operational standards across military and law enforcement communities. A former commercial diver and San Diego lifeguard, he has certified over 600 divers and brings deep biomechanical and martial arts expertise, including multiple high-level black belts and advanced academic studies in kinesiology and psychology. At UDT, he delivers practical, precision-focused training that builds confidence, adaptability, and real-world performance under pressure.

Caylie Christensen joins UDT Scottsdale as our new Member Services Associate, bringing over eight years of experience in customer service, team leadership, and operations. Originally from Utah, she is known for her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering a seamless, high-quality experience for every member. Prior to joining UDT, Caylie held management positions where she led teams, oversaw daily operations, and drove customer satisfaction through effective training and leadership. She also brings experience from Wells Fargo and the Sandy Police Department Explorer Program, along with a background in social work, EMT training, and criminal psychology—making her a well-rounded, detail-oriented professional dedicated to supporting and serving others.