Honoring Our Legacy
Colonel Jesse Johnson
Built on the vision of Colonel Jesse L. Johnson, Cochise was founded to carry forward a lifetime of military leadership through trusted training, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to those who serve. More than three decades later, that mission continues.
A Lifetime of Service
For nearly three decades, Colonel Jesse L. Johnson served the United States Army with distinction, leading Special Operations forces through some of the most demanding missions in modern military history. From Vietnam to Operation Desert Storm, his career was defined by courage, decisive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the soldiers entrusted to his command.
Though highly decorated for his service, those who knew Colonel Johnson remember him not for the honors he received, but for his humility, quiet confidence, and steadfast dedication to others. He believed exceptional leadership was measured not by recognition, but by the people you prepared, mentored, and inspired.
When he retired from the Army in 1993, his commitment to service did not end. Instead, it became the foundation for something new.
With the same mission-first mindset that guided his military career, Colonel Johnson founded Cochise Military Training Solutions to provide world-class military training, operational support, and advisory services to defense organizations around the globe.
Today, that commitment to excellence continues to define Cochise and the professionals who proudly carry his legacy forward.
A Distinguished Military Career
1939
Born in Pocahontas, Arkansas
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1965
Deploys to Vietnam
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1968
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism
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1980s
Leads elite U.S. Army Special Operations units, including service with Delta Force and command of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
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1991
Commands Special Operations during Operation Desert Storm
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1993
Retires from the U.S. Army and establishes Cochise Military Training Solutions
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2022
Remembered as a respected leader, mentor, and founder whose legacy continues to inspire Cochise today
Serving Today’s Mission
Colonel Jesse L. Johnson founded Cochise on the belief that mission success begins with exceptional people, uncompromising integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those who serve. Those principles became the foundation of the company and continue to guide every mission we support today.
As Cochise entered a new chapter as part of the Resicum family of companies, its purpose remained unchanged. The organization continues to build upon Colonel Johnson's vision, delivering trusted military training, advisory services, and operational support to defense partners around the world.
Many members of today's leadership team had the privilege of working alongside Colonel Johnson, carrying forward the values, professionalism, and mission-first mindset he instilled throughout the organization. Their leadership ensures that the culture he created continues to influence every program, every partnership, and every customer we serve.
Colonel Johnson's legacy is more than the company he founded—it lives on in the people he mentored, the standards he established, and the enduring commitment to excellence that defines Cochise today.