Michael Young

Michael Young is a retired Chief Master Sergeant with more than 30 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force Security Forces. During his career, he commanded and mentored teams of hundreds of Airmen, managed multi-million-dollar defense programs, and directed operations ranging from base defense to strategic force protection.

A course director, instructor, and research historian, Michael is also a published editor and author whose work reflects his depth of expertise in leadership, crisis management, and threat mitigation. Currently a doctoral student focused on school safety, his research examines how layered defenses and systems-based approaches can protect students and staff while preserving safe, welcoming learning environments.

Michael developed the Fortified Campus Framework, a proactive model that moves beyond reactive measures like “Run, Hide, Fight” to emphasize perimeter control, zone segmentation, hardened safe zones, responder integration, and unified command. This framework, shaped by his operational experience and academic research, provides a practical path forward for communities seeking real solutions to the growing challenges of campus security.

At Grey Matter Ops™ and through the Red Dot Mindset™ Podcast, Michael’s expertise is highlighted as part of our mission to prepare civilians, educators, and leaders with actionable tools to stay resilient and ready.