You may know EJ from the Discovery Channel series “Naked and Afraid” and “Dual Survival“. EJ is an Extreme Survivalist, Adventurer, and Retired Army Combat Vet. He is an expert in leadership, tracking, trapping, building shelter and equipment, primitive weapons, navigation, security, self-reliance, and self-defense.
EJ SNYDER is a highly decorated Army Combat Veteran with 25 years of military service under his belt, serving Ranger positions in Infantry and Airborne units. He joined the armed forces at 19. He moved up the ranks quickly, seeing combat in both the Gulf War in 1991 and a 15-month tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 from 2004 to 2005. EJ earned two Bronze Star Medals, the Legion of Merit, the Order of St. Maurice (Centurion), and over 40 other Medals and decorations while serving the Nation. During his time in the Army, EJ attended a vast number of schools highly increasing his diverse set of skills, deployed on training and missions all over the world, and received many accolades throughout his career. He stepped up as a Ranger Instructor, Survival & Tracking Instructor, and Drill Sergeant, EJ was a renowned athlete and fighter during his time, earning the nickname “Skullcrusher”. EJ retired at the Rank of Sergeant Major/E-9.
EJ grew up in Northern New Jersey just outside NYC in tough Italian neighborhoods. EJ learned many outdoor skills and love for the wilderness with his late kid brother Jeff, when their Father took them camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and trapping. They furthered those skills by canoeing, rafting, rock climbing, and long extended hikes. EJ and his brother could often be found near the nearest set of woods or waterway they could find within the confines of the concrete jungle honing their skills. EJ’s brother was killed before his 22nd birthday. It greatly affected EJ.
When EJ was attending US Army Ranger School he received his first formal Survival Training and fell in love with the concept right away, so he started a self-study on the skill. Once he was assigned as a Ranger Instructor, he attended US Army Survival School (SERE-C) and Tracking Course and became the Primary Survival and Tracking Instructor for the course. Upon retirement EJ worked as a Government Contractor for 6 Years teaching Survival Skills to future Green Berets and other Soldiers at the US Army SERE School. EJ says that whether in the wild or on the field of combat he will always live by his motto: Tua Sponte Superstes, which means to “Survive By Your Own Will.” EJ has been formally teaching survival skills to Soldiers and civilians ever since for well over 20 years.