Donald E. Vandergriff

Major Donald E. Vandergriff (U.S. Army, Retired) is an award-winning author, educator, speaker, and recognized expert on military leadership development, mission command, maneuver warfare, and adaptive learning methodologies.

He served 24 years in uniform, beginning as an enlisted Marine and later as an Army Armor officer in various troop, staff, and educational roles both in the U.S. and overseas. Following retirement, he continued contributing to leader and soldier development as a contractor with the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC) and has served as a consultant and guest lecturer for organizations including NATO, the U.S. Military Academy, and various law enforcement agencies.

Vandergriff holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Tennessee and a master's degree in military history from American Military University. He has taught military science and leadership at institutions such as Georgetown University and American Military University, where he was named ROTC Instructor of the Year.

He is the author or editor of several influential books—including Adopting Mission Command: Developing Leaders for a Superior Command Culture, The Path to Victory, Raising the Bar, and Mission Command anthologies—along with over 100 articles on leadership, organizational culture, and military reform. His work focuses on preparing leaders to thrive in complex, uncertain environments through innovative education and training.

Now based in Virginia, Vandergriff remains dedicated to advancing adaptive leadership and military effectiveness.