What Strategic Operations Inc. does

Strategic Operations, Inc. (STOPS) is a privately held, San Diego-based defense and homeland-security company founded in 2002 that provides Hyper-Realistic® tactical training services and products to the U.S. military, federal/state and local law enforcement, first responders, and allied NATO/international forces. The company's defining methodology combines Hollywood production techniques — pyrotechnics, special effects, props, role players, and set construction — with military tactics, techniques, and procedures to generate training environments in which participants become "stress inoculated." STOPS holds a registered trademark on Hyper-Realistic® and a portfolio of patents covering its products.

The product architecture centers on the patented Re-Locatable Habitat Unit (RHU), a modular 4'×8' composite panel system with pultruded fiberglass-reinforced plastic beams and EPS foam that allows two people to assemble approximately 100 sq ft of structure per man-hour and is RF-transparent for electronic instrumentation. Adjacent product lines include Live Fire RHU, MOUT facades/walls, VBSS and Force-Protection ship simulators built from modified shipping containers, 3D and post-blast targets, faux weapons, the patented Cut Suit human-worn surgical simulator, the Hyper-Realistic Moulage Kit (HRMK), the GETFO Rapid Egress System, SSE kits, and the Rapid Response Refuge (RRR) — a FEMA P-85-, Sphere Project-, UNHCR-, and IBC 2021-compliant modular shelter assembled in under 12 hours. STOPS also operates a 21,300 sq ft Tactical Training Lab (TTL) in San Diego containing a MOUT Village, a 6,400 sq ft ShootHouse, a Merchant Marine Ship Trainer, a 60-foot rappelling tower, and medical simulation spaces, and delivers on-site Mobile Training Support Teams (MTST) and Make-Up/Moulage Basic and Advanced courses.

STOPS generates revenue from professional services (training delivery, moulage courses, role players, battlefield effects, MTST deployments) and hardware sales (RHU panels, RRR shelters, ship simulators, training aids). Pricing is contact-based, executed primarily through GSA Schedule Contract 47QSWA23D0026 (current option to December 20, 2027; ultimate end date December 20, 2042) and direct contract vehicles with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, FBI, DEA, ICE, the British Army (BATUS), Canadian Forces, the U.S. Department of State, and select state/local agencies. In 2025, the company divested its STOPS Medical subsidiary to the 3B Scientific Group, refocusing the parent on core defense and tactical-training operations.

Name

Strategic Operations Inc.

Legal name

Strategic Operations, Inc.

Website

https://strategic-operations.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Strategic Operations Inc. (STOPS) is a San Diego-based, 23-year-old private defense company that provides Hyper-Realistic® tactical training services, modular range structures (RHU), and training products to U.S. military branches, federal/state law enforcement, first responders, and NATO allies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tactical Training Services

NAICS

Investigation and Security Services (5616)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Law Enforcement / Military / Security Defensive Tactics Training (HSADADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Defense R&D, Test, Evaluation & Innovation (BPAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Tactical training services
• Modular training structures
• Live fire simulation
• Disaster relief housing
• Military training products

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Training Services: Provides Hyper-Realistic® tactical training services at the Tactical Training Lab in San Diego or on-site at customer locations worldwide. Services include role players, special effects, pyrotechnics, moulage training, and mobile training support teams.
2. Training Products and Structures: Manufactures and sells patented RHU modular structures, live fire props, faux weapons, 3D targets, body parts/post-blast props, and SSE kits. Products sold directly to military, law enforcement, and government agencies.
3. Rapid Response Refuge (RRR): FEMA-compliant modular housing units designed for disaster relief. Sold as fully equipped modular structures for emergency shelter, command centers, and medical triage facilities.
4. Training Courses: Two-day moulage (make-up) Basic and Advanced courses conducted at STOPS facility or customer site. Courses teach wound simulation techniques using Hyper-Realistic® kits.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Strategic Operations Inc. (STOPS) provides Hyper-Realistic tactical training services and products for military, law enforcement, first responders, and homeland security organizations. The company manufactures patented modular training structures (Re-Locatable Habitat Units), training aids (faux weapons, 3D targets, body parts), and operates the Tactical Training Lab facility in San Diego for immersive combat and emergency response training. It also produces the FEMA-compliant Rapid Response Refuge modular housing for disaster relief.

Product overview

Strategic Operations Inc. (STOPS) offers a comprehensive portfolio of Hyper-Realistic tactical training products and services for military, law enforcement, and first responders. The core offering centers on the patented Re-Locatable Habitat Unit (RHU) system—a modular, reconfigurable panel-based structure for creating tactical training environments. Related products include the Live Fire RHU variant, Facades and Walls for MOUT construction, and Ship Simulators for VBSS training. The company provides extensive training aids including 3D Targets, Faux Weapons, Body Parts/Post Blast props, Live Fire Shoot House Props, and the Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) Kit. STOPS operates the Tactical Training Lab (TTL) facility in San Diego featuring a 21,300 sq ft MOUT Village, 6,400 sq ft ShootHouse, VBSS Trainer, Rappel Tower, and Medical Spaces. Supporting services include Make-Up/Moulage training courses, Role Players, Battlefield Effects, Mobile Training Support Teams, and Research and Development/Rapid Prototyping. The newest innovation is the Rapid Response Refuge—a FEMA-compliant modular housing solution for disaster response.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rapid Response Refuge (RRR): FEMA-compliant modular housing units that can be assembled in under 12 hours, designed for disaster relief, emergency triage, and temporary shelter applications.
• Re-Locatable Habitat Unit (RHU)
• Tactical Training Lab (TTL)

Products and services

• Re-Locatable Habitat Unit (RHU) Patented mobile modular structure using a 4' x 8' composite panel system designed for tactical training in multiple environments without permanent construction. Panels weigh less than 100 lbs and assemble with a single tool, enabling complex multi-story configurations.
• Live Fire RHU Variant of the RHU designed with safety features for live fire maneuvers at designated training areas, allowing projectiles to pass through with zero ballistic deflection.
• Rapid Response Refuge (RRR) FEMA-compliant modular housing solution that can be assembled in under 12 hours by four individuals without foundations, designed for disaster relief, emergency triage, and temporary shelter applications.
• Facades and Walls Non-permanent, scalable, and moveable sets replicating MOUT villages and towns using Hollywood set construction techniques with composite materials that replicate brick, masonry, adobe, or any construction material.
• Ship Simulators (VBSS/Force Protection) VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) and Force Protection Ship Simulators for the U.S. Navy, incorporating COTS computers, software, special effects, and entertainment industry techniques in modified shipping containers.
• 3D Targets Human and vehicle targets made of ABS plastic vacuum-formed material; human targets withstand approximately 3,000 rounds before hit registry failure.
• Body Parts / Post Blast Props Props for mass casualty scenarios, post blast assessment forensics, and Tactical Combat Casualty Care/Tactical Emergency Casualty Care training.
• Faux Weapons Non-firing replicas constructed with impact-resistant resin using steel sub-frames; molds taken from actual firearms to ensure truest form and highest fidelity with realistic weight and feel.
• Live Fire Shoot House Props Props designed for live fire CQB/CQC in live fire shoot houses, made of foam with fabric overlay allowing projectiles to pass through with zero ballistic deflection.
• Sensitive Site Exploitation (SSE) Kit Transit case packaged system containing faux weapons, ammunition caches, IED making materials, and intelligence aids designed to provide hyper-realism for training environments.
• Tactical Training Lab (TTL) Facilities Training facilities including MOUT Village (21,300 sq ft), ShootHouse (6,400 sq ft, 4 levels), VBSS Trainer, Rappel/Fast Rope Tower with UH-1H helicopter, and Medical Spaces.
• Operational Training Building (ShootHouse) Approximately 6,400 square foot building with four levels, multiple rooms and hallways, internal and external stairways, and numerous 'hides' for law enforcement training scenarios.
• MOUT Village Facility Approximately 21,300 square foot area replicating a Third World Village with multiple single- and two-story buildings, crashed aircraft, and vehicles.
• Merchant Marine Ship Trainer (VBSS Trainer) Maritime interdiction training facility with multiple levels, decks, hatches, ladders, and compartments including bridge, berthing, galley, and cargo holds for VBSS training.
• Rappel/Fast Rope & Tactical Tower Six-story multi-level tower with balconies, access windows, climbing wall, and UH-1H Huey helicopter body for rappel and fast rope boarding techniques.
• Medical Spaces & Simulated Navy Ship Spaces Emergency medical suite of approximately 2,700 square feet with reception area, ER, ICU, and Operating Room, connected to simulated Navy Ship Training Area via ship's hatch.
• Make-Up/Moulage Basic Course Two-day training course providing instruction in Hyper-Realistic wound simulation techniques, conducted at STOPS facility or customer site.
• Make-Up/Moulage Advanced Course Two-day advanced course building on Basic Course covering complex wound creation and mass casualty scenario execution; prerequisite: Basic Course.
• Role Players Role player services including civilians on the battlefield, foreign language speakers, casualty role players, and insurgent/OPFOR role players fully outfitted with uniforms, gear, and vehicles.
• Battlefield Effects Special effects including rocket propelled grenades, mines, IEDs, VBIEDs, smoke, sound, and smell using proprietary TV and motion picture industry techniques by licensed pyrotechnicians.
• Mobile Training Support Teams (MTST) On-site training support including COB, OPFOR, foreign language speakers, special effects pyrotechnics, special effects make-up, and medical training support.
• Research and Development / Rapid Prototyping

Quantifiable outcome

• 50 percent of all casualties in war occur in the first five to six significant exposures to combat operations; after these exposures, the rate drops to less than 6 percent (Defense Science Board study)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, moderate and minor.

• Naval Medical Center San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) for research on enroute surgical resuscitation procedures aboard tilt-rotor aircraft. Active collaboration on medical simulation and training technology development.
• Naval Health Research CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreviously worked under Simulated Ambulant Laboratory Technology (SALT II) contract. Collaborative research on stress reactions and mitigation in immersive training environments.
• Office of Naval ResearchmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration on training technology development and validation of Hyper-Realistic training effectiveness.
• Army Research LabmoderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerUS Army Research Lab grants supporting development of training simulation technologies and methods.
• Joint Program Committee-1 (JPC-1)moderateStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research relationship supporting development of medical training simulation capabilities.
• Intelligence Research InstituteminorOthersIndustry partner appearing in STOPS partner/client ecosystem. Contributes to training technology and simulation capabilities.
• ADS Inc.minorOthersIndustry partner appearing in STOPS partner ecosystem for defense training solutions.
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)minorOthersDLA partner shown in STOPS industry ecosystem. Supports government procurement and supply chain for defense training products.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ti Training (formerly Target Innovations): Ti Training designs and manufactures live-fire shoot houses, portable ballistic training systems, and breaching equipment for military and law enforcement. Highly comparable to STOPS' Live Fire RHU and ShootHouse props; both sell physical training environments to the same DoD and federal LE buyer base.
• Action Target Inc. Action Target manufactures bullet traps, shooting ranges, and live-fire training设施 for military, law enforcement, and commercial customers. Overlapping customer base with STOPS and similar products-to-services motion across range and tactical training hardware.
• Simulaids Inc. Simulaids manufactures medical simulation manikins, wound moulage kits, and casualty care training products for military and EMS markets. Direct analog to STOPS' Cut Suit and Hyper-Realistic Moulage Kit (HRMK) and the now-divested STOPS Medical line.

Broad incumbents

• Cubic Corporation (Cubic Defense Applications): Cubic Defense provides instrumented ranges, synthetic training environments, and after-action review systems for DoD. Overlaps with STOPS at the tactical/training systems level but operates at much greater scale as a publicly traded prime.
• CAE Inc. CAE operates one of the largest defense training services portfolios, including live-virtual-constructive simulation for pilots, ground forces, and maintainers. Comparable business model to STOPS across DoD contract work but at significantly greater scale and breadth.
• Saab Training & Simulation: Saab Training & Simulation delivers live and simulation-based defense training solutions, including deployable training systems, to NATO and allied militaries. Comparable to STOPS at the deployable-trainer level for European/partner-nation defense customers.
• 3B Scientific Group: 3B Scientific is a global medical education and simulation company that acquired STOPS Medical in 2025. It now owns and operates the medical-simulation arm that was carved out of Strategic Operations, making it an immediately adjacent participant in STOPS' former product line.
• Blackhawk Products Group (Vista Outdoor): Blackhawk designs and distributes tactical gear, holsters, and training apparel to military and law enforcement. Operates in the same procurement channels as STOPS and overlaps at the LE/military training-equipment sourcing level, though primarily a hardware/accessories brand rather than a full training-solution provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/strategicops
• Facebookfacebook.com/strategicoperations
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/strategic-operations

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Strategic Operations Inc.