Paladin Defense Services LLC (Paladin DS) is a HubZone Certified and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Paladin is comprised of veterans and professionals that are passionate about providing the best possible support to our clients in the federal government agencies and state and local law enforcement sector. We provide expert services and solutions tailored to meet evolving tactical, operational, and sensitive requirements.
The Paladin DS team has extensive experience on the ground supporting the Department of State, Department of Defense and other government projects. We have worked in over 20 countries spanning multiple continents to provide operational support, specialist capabilities and training services to thousands of personnel across geographically dispersed and remote sites.
Our team of proven problem solvers relies on decades of success operating in complex, hazardous, and ambiguous environments. Our professional cadre have served our nation with distinction at the tactical, operational, and strategic level during unprecedented times in our nation’s history. Unique requirements call for innovative solutions.
Paladin’s core offerings include:
- Supply of Specialized Equipment
- OEM Equipment Training and Aftersales Support Services
- Program Management and Professional Services
HISTORY
The Company Paladin Defense Services is derived from the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin Afghanistan where many of our company leadership, trainers and subject matter experts served together under their US, Australian, New Zealand and British Forces.
The Combined Joint Task Force Paladin (“CJTF Paladin”) was the International Security Assistance Force command responsible for counter-IED efforts and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) during the Afghanistan War from 2001 – 2013.
CJTF Paladin provided EOD Technicians, counter-IED trainers, intelligence personnel, and forensics labs to the ISAF Regional Commands across Afghanistan.
These same veterans and Paladin DS team members that have served under the CJTF
Paladin have become the forefront experts for counter IED and EOD in research and development, investigative techniques and training in the military, law enforcement and security industries.
Our team of proven problem solvers relies on decades of success operating in complex, hazardous, and ambiguous environments. Our professional cadre have served our nations with distinction at the tactical, operational, and strategic level during unprecedented times in our nation’s history.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Roy C. WAGGONER, President and Owner
Chuck Waggoner started Paladin to offer training and equipment to Government, Police and corporate customers worldwide. He has over 50 years of experience leading organizations of up to 16,000 people and managing budgets of up to $800 Million Dollars. He Commanded at every level in the US Army, including 10 years in brigade level command. He has had leadership roles in parachute infantry, the 75th Ranger Regiment, Special Operations Forces, an Infantry Brigade and the 8 brigade Eastern Region of US Army Cadet Command. He created and commanded CJTF Paladin in Afghanistan for 2 years as the CIED Task Force for both US Forces and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) where he established and commanded the CJTF Paladin, the Combined Exploitation Cell, all of the level 2 labs, and the EOD structure in Afghanistan. Other combat tours in Panama, Grenada, and Iraq. In the defense industry, he has won over $400 million in contracts over the past 7 years. He is a current certified Program Management Professional (PMP) and Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma certified by the US Army Office of Business Transformation.
Harry THOMPSON, Vice President & Chief Growth Officer
Harry is a skilled senior executive with more than 40 years of experience. He is capable of identifying, managing business and growth opportunities in various areas of defense contracting with an understanding of Aviation, Simulations and Software development, Tactical training, Training and Simulation Centers development/operation, various Education, Curriculum Development and Training activities, Strategic Planning, Acquisition, and Program Management.
He has run programs and conducted business development in over 40 countries. Highly experienced retired US Army officer with extensive experience in infantry and aviation units, simulation and training exercises and staff work at the Army, Joint and NATO levels. He has worked at the highest levels of the US Department of Defense, Army Staff and NATO.
Warwick PENROSE, Minority Owner and Board Member
Warwick is an entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience leading both Military and Defence Industry organizations and managing budgets of up to $140 Million Dollars. Experience: Establishing and maturing numerous new capabilities across a spectrum of niche Counter – Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) and Counter – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (Counter-CBRN) operations; program management and leader development. Current Australian Defense Top Secret Security Clearance. Since July 2010, he has been the owner and Managing Director – EPE Trusted to Protect (Group of Companies) July 2010 – Current. Veteran Owned Defence Company. Responsible for management, developing strategic and tactical goals and KPI’s, and proving the funding support to ensure the EPE Group of Companies achieve their 5 year goals. Also responsible for all Key Account and Supply Chain relationship management, business development, capture, technical proposals and program management.
Elizabeth PEAKE, Director of Business Operations
Elizabeth joined Paladin Defense Services in 2023, bringing a robust background in Business Operations and Office Management from high-profile corporations. With extensive experience at the executive level within organizations employing over 200 staff, she has overseen decades of document retention and managed accounting functions. Elizabeth is well-versed in import and export regulations, collaborating closely with the Departments of State and Commerce for international shipments. Her expertise extends to advertising and marketing, enhancing Paladin’s strategic initiatives. As Director of Business Operations, Elizabeth has proven instrumental in optimizing both the backend processes and procurement efforts at PDS. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Program Managers with minimum 10+ years program management experience and minimum 20+ years operational experience.
Our team has garnered experience through military, government and industry experience including the design, program management and delivery of Specialist and Covert C-IED, Technical Exploitation, CBRN and post blast (Bomb Scene) operations, strategic planning, supply chain management and expeditionary logistics.
PALADIN LOGISTICS TEAM
Over 40 years combined experience in supply chain management, procurement and logistics services including warehousing, material management, export/import, shipping via ocean, air, and ground to high risk and hard to reach places.
The team has extensive experience shipping diplomatic cargo for US Embassies, Department of State and Department of Defense Programs Worldwide.
