Mykel Hawke

Mykel Hawke is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer, combat veteran, survival expert, author, television personality, and internationally recognized adventure and preparedness expert. Known for his leadership, resilience, and ability to thrive in extreme environments, Hawke has dedicated his career to teaching others how to prepare, adapt, and overcome challenges in the wild and in everyday life.

A former Green Beret and U.S. Army Special Forces Captain, Hawke served for nearly three decades in military roles as a Special Forces medic, communications specialist, intelligence operator, and commander. His extensive field experience includes humanitarian missions, combat operations, search-and-rescue assignments, and training efforts around the world. He combines his military expertise with advanced education, including a master’s degree in psychology, to explore the connections between leadership, teamwork, decision-making, and human performance.

Following his military career, Hawke became a prominent figure in the world of survival television and media. He created and starred in Discovery Channel’s "Man, Woman, Wild," which featured his survival skills alongside his wife, television host Ruth England. He has also appeared in and created numerous programs, including "One Man Army," "Lost Survivors," and 'Elite Tactical Unit," and has been featured as a survival and military expert on more than 50 television programs.

Hawke is also a bestselling author and entrepreneur. His books include "Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Manual," "Hawke’s Special Forces Survival Handbook," "The Family Survival Guide," and works focused on survival, preparedness, foraging, and language learning. He has also developed survival products, training programs, and adventure experiences designed to help individuals, families, and organizations build confidence and preparedness skills.

As a keynote speaker, Hawke draws on decades of experience in military operations, survival, leadership, and human behavior to deliver powerful lessons on resilience, teamwork, crisis management, and overcoming adversity. Whether addressing corporate audiences, government organizations, or general audiences, he shares practical strategies for staying calm under pressure, making effective decisions, and leading through uncertainty.