Stephen Barela is Licensed Lead Investigator. He is also a protective security expert trained in advanced special operations tactics with over eight years as a United States Navy SEAL. He is a decorated, combat-proven international security professional focused on the protection of life and critical assets.
Mr. Barela has amassed more than 15 years of successful team-building, management, and leadership experience via numerous combat tours, and is a small arms expert, HUMINT collector specialist, and TDC graduate. During Clandestine Operations, he was responsible for civilian and team members alike, including millions of dollars in state-of-the-art military assets.
Since joining Pilum Defense Agency, Mr. Barela has taken on multiple investigation cases using the human intelligence (HUMINT) skills he gained as a Navy SEAL. He has developed higher performance investigation standards and enhanced safety awareness while increasing productivity during periods of aggressive investigation deadlines.
His many awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, multiple Navy Achievement Medals, one with Combat “V”, multiple Combat Action Ribbons, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
Mr. Barela is a member of the Rocky Mountain UDT/SEAL Association and the Danny Dietz Leadership and Training Foundation.
Mr. Barela is also passionate about firearms training and has the following training certifications:
NRA Basic Instructor Training (BIT)
NRA Certified Pistol Instructor
NRA Certified Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
NRA Certified Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor
NRA Certified Defensive Pistol Instructor
NRA Certified Rifle Instructor
NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor