LEADERSHIP

Founder & Chairman

Caine Cortellino

Secured over $900M for large-scale USG programs in 27 countries. Built and led high-performing field teams in complex conflict zones. Founded Mettlehawk to channel that experience into battlefield-informed training that strengthens U.S. and allied force readiness.

Co-Founder & Senior Advisor

Krag Reinertson

A veteran defense entrepreneur and former AM General export executive, Krag brings decades of experience in U.S. military contracting. He shapes Mettlehawk’s contract strategy, investor outreach, and scalable delivery for allied clients.

Sr. Military Advisor

LTG Benjamin Freakley (Ret.)

LTG Freakley led the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan and helped modernize U.S. Army training at NTC, JRTC, and JMRC. His leadership ensures Mettlehawk’s programs align with current Army and NATO operational needs.

Vice President, Uncrewed Systems & Combat Integration

Michael Kuiper

A retired U.S. Marine and strategist, Kuiper drives drone and EW integration into modern tactics. At USNA, he leads SWAT-C training on autonomous systems, shaping next-gen forces. His work in Ukraine advances dual-use defense tech and resilient logistics.

Vice President, Strategic Training & Intelligence Operations

Merritt Barber

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with expertise in SIGINT, C-UAS, and unmanned threats, Merritt leads integration of battlefield tactics into Mettlehawk’s training. He oversees EW, USV, and Red Force simulations to keep pace with evolving adversaries.

Vice President, Security Cooperation & Partner Force Development

Andrew Lake

Career U.S. security cooperation officer and Foreign Military Sales strategist. Former FMS Director and DSCA Country Portfolio Chief in INDOPACOM. Leads Mettlehawk’s global defense engagement, connecting battlefield-informed training to funded programs.

Sr. Strategic Advisor, Public Sector & Organizational Development

Alissa Fulton

Former Booz Allen and PwC advisor. Specializes in non-dilutive funding, operations scaling, and public-private partnerships in the defense sector. Brings cross-sector growth acumen and NBD strategy.