About
C. Ward 3
At a glance.
C. Ward 3 is a father, a grandfather, a hopeless romantic, a former Marine, a school trained Scout Sniper, an entrepreneur, an event coordinator, an author, a war zone contractor, an adventurer, an artist, and an aging tactical athlete.
More.
In the Marine Corps, C. Ward 3 served for 8.5 years with 3rd Battalion - 1st Marine Division, 1st LAR (Light Armored Reconnaissance) and as a Combat Instructor at the School of Infantry. While in the Marine Corps he received specialized training as a Scout Sniper (8541), HRST Master (Helicopter Rope Suspension Training), USMC Martial Arts Instructor, Radio Communications Operator, and TACP forward observer (Tactical Air Control Party). C. Ward 3 was deployed multiple times overseas in both peace and war time awarding him operational experience as well as cross training with several foreign forces.
He is currently still operationally active conducting over a 2 decades of high threat protection in Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa under the Diplomatic Security Service of the Dept. of State and Other U.S. Gov't Agencies.
He is the founder, and Director of Operations of Marksmanship Training Center, Michigan's largest firearms training facility which also host his extremely popular annual Wolverine 5K tactical adventure race which blends orienteering, physical fitness, marksmanship, team decision making strategies, and multiple tactical tasks.
C. Ward 3 also co-owns Gunfighter, LLC, authored a fictional sci-fi horror novel ZNIPER, and the artist behind the CWard3 Collection.
Philanthropy.
C. Ward 3 continues to host annual charitable events which have contributed to raising tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars benefiting local troubled children’s organizations and Special Olympics.
Operator Syndicate Series
The primary objective of the Operator Syndicate series is to develop a nationwide network of tactical athletes who routinely come together to train, not just to compete once a year.
Drawing from extensive operational, instructional, and leadership experience, C. Ward3 shapes the series with an informed and deliberate approach. He has not only suffered through several special operations selection screenings but has also assisted in administering them which gives him a unique foresight into human physical and mental thresholds.
As a firearms training center owner, he understands the importance of reinforcing and evaluating marksmanship fundamentals.
His service as a Marine and his continued work as a professional security contractor in high‑threat environments provide firsthand insight into the fitness demands required to perform under sustained stress.
As a business owner and event coordinator, he develops competitive scoring systems that are both rigorous and engaging.
As a seasoned match director, he prioritizes efficient event flow and works diligently to minimize downtime for all competitors.
O.S.S.
C. Ward3 is a student of covert World War II history, particularly the clandestine missions and legacy of the Office of Strategic Services. The O.S.S., disbanded shortly after the war, later evolved into the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Army Special Forces. His appreciation for this lineage runs deep—so much so that he named his son Donovan in tribute to O.S.S. founder William “Wild Bill” Donovan.
This historical influence shapes the underlying theme of the Operator Syndicate Series, which draws inspiration from special unit selection processes, guerrilla warfare principles, simplicity in planning, unit cohesion, and the fitness and marksmanship standards that define small‑unit success.
Most of the exercise equipment used in OSS competitions reflects this heritage, consisting of items commonly found—or easily fabricated—at Forward Operating Bases around the world.
