Major Alberto Rios has three years of experience in developing and implementing SOF CBRN/CWMD strategy, plans, policy, acquisition, capability development, and readiness in support of USSOCOM. He works with multiple stakeholders across the Department of Defense, interagency, and international partners to enhance SOF's ability to counter and mitigate the threats posed by weapons of mass destruction. He is also a co-creator of Dragon Spear, USSOCOM’s CBRN Research, Development, Acquisition, Experiment (RDAX).

With over 15 years of service in the U.S. Army as a Chemical Officer, he has led CBRNE activities in joint, special forces, infantry, cavalry, stryker, technical escort, reconnaissance, decontamination, and deployed scenarios. His mission is to leverage his experience, education, and competencies to advance the strategic objectives and operational capabilities of USSOCOM and the U.S. government in CBRN/CWMD environments.

He holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Master of Science in Environmental Management from Webster University. He is currently completing his Program for Emerging Leaders (PEL) Fellowship through the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at National Defense University and graduated from the Strategic Studies Fellowship Program through the Institute for Defense and Business at Indiana University.