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Douglas Sheldon, born in Des Moines, Iowa, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Military Intelligence in 1966. He first advised the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) on intelligence operations in the Central Highlands, returning for a second tour to expand collection efforts, tripling reporting on key enemy activities.

After returning to the U.S. in 1972, Sheldon developed tactics for the 82d Airborne Division and later shaped the intelligence structure for U.S. forces in Europe at U.S. Forces Command. He became a key figure in establishing Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta in 1977 and was chosen as one of the original members of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) in 1981.

Serving as G-2 of the 82d Airborne Division from 1984 to 1985, he enhanced intelligence capabilities and later commanded the division's 313th Ml Battalion. After retiring in 1996, Sheldon directed the Joint Intelligence Center at USSOCOM until 2011.