
Eric “Olly” Oehlerich
Former Commanding Officer, Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU)
United States Navy
Co-Founder, Lobo Institute
Eric “Olly” Oehlerich is a retired Navy SEAL Officer with over 20 years of service at the highest levels of U.S. special operations. He concluded his distinguished military career as Commanding Officer of Naval Special Warfare Development Group — Squadron 2, a Tier-One unit where he oversaw the development of advanced tactics and technologies in operations spanning the Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East.
After retiring from active duty, Olly co-founded the Lobo Institute, a strategic advisory and research organization focused on conflict resolution, national security policy, and humanitarian impact. He serves as a consultant to governments, international agencies, and media organizations on irregular warfare and global security challenges.
Olly is also a Board Member of the Grassroots Reconciliation Group, a nonprofit dedicated to rehabilitating former child soldiers and integrating them back into civilian life, and he has co-directed the documentary My Star in the Sky, which highlights the human costs of conflict.
His commentary and expertise have been featured in major outlets, including contributions on national security topics for ABC News and analysis in policy forums.