Leadership Profiles

Douglas Ellis - Founder/CEO, Unity K9 Protection Group

Founder/CEO, Unity K9 Protection Group

Background & Expertise

Douglas Ellis is the Owner and operational leader of Unity K9 Protection Group, bringing over 20 years of combined military, Joint Task Force, private military contracting, K9 operations, and protective security experience. His career spans combat deployments, high-level security missions, and years of leadership in private-sector protective services.

Military Service

Douglas served as a U.S. Army Infantryman and later as a Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Specialist, completing a distinguished 16-year military career.
His military service provided extensive skills in:

  • Infantry and small-unit tactics

  • Influence operations and behavioral analysis

  • Threat recognition and rapid decision-making

  • Cross-cultural operations

  • High-stress mission execution

Joint Task Force & Special Operations Integration

Throughout both military and contractor deployments, Douglas supported Joint Task Force (JTF) missions and integrated with U.S. and allied Special Operations Groups.

These assignments included:

  • Coordinating protective operations alongside SOF units

  • Supporting intelligence-driven mission planning

  • Conducting security and influence operations within JTF structures

  • Executing tasks requiring advanced discretion, adaptability, and precision

His exposure to elite operational elements shaped his approach to leadership, training, and security operations.

Private Military Contractor Experience

Douglas deployed in multiple regions as a Private Military Contractor (PMC), providing security, protective operations, and advisory support in high-risk environments.


His contractor work included:

  • High-threat protective missions

  • Base and convoy security

  • Special operations support roles

  • Threat/vulnerability assessments in hostile zones

  • Sensitive site security and intelligence-adjacent tasks

These deployments required exceptional discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to adapt to rapidly evolving threats.

K9 Experience in Operational Environments

Douglas also has extensive K9 operations experience, both in military-style environments and within the private security sector.
His K9 background includes:

  • Working with detection and deterrent K9 teams

  • Managing canine operations during contractor deployments

  • Training and operational readiness oversight

  • K9 integration into patrol, checkpoint, and protective missions

  • Understanding dog behavior, drive, and tactical application

This K9 expertise directly supports Unity K9’s high standards for deployment-ready canine teams.

Education

Douglas holds degrees in:

  • Military Science

  • Criminal Justice

This educational foundation enhances his ability to combine strategic planning, legal awareness, and tactical decision-making in all security operations.

Private Security Industry Experience

In addition to military and contracting roles, Douglas has served for many years in the private security industry, including:

  • Executive and VIP protection

  • Commercial, residential, and corporate security

  • K9 operations management

  • Team leadership and personnel development

  • Training program creation and oversight

  • Operational planning for large-scale clients

His broad experience enables Unity K9 to deliver elite, reliable, and strategically informed security solutions.

Leadership Philosophy

Douglas leads Unity K9 Protection Group with values forged through decades of service:

  • Respect — professionalism in every interaction

  • Readiness — training, preparation, and situational mastery

  • Excellence — no compromise on standards, integrity, or performance

His mission is clear:
Deliver disciplined, intelligent, and dependable security operations that surpass industry expectations.