Andy Stumpf Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Wife, Net Worth, Military Career, SEAL Team 6, Family, Podcast

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Andy Stumpf is a retired Navy SEAL officer, prominent podcaster, and elite skydiver who spent 17 years in the military. He is perhaps best known for his time at SEAL Team Six, the U.S. military’s most elite counterterrorism unit. Throughout his career, Stumpf executed hundreds of combat operations and received numerous awards, including five Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart after being shot at close range by an insurgent’s AK-47 in Iraq. Despite being told he might never walk properly again, he returned to full active duty and eventually became the first junior enlisted SEAL to be commissioned as an officer through the Limited Duty Officer program.

Since his medical retirement in 2013, Stumpf has transitioned into a highly successful career in the private sector. He hosts the popular podcast “Cleared Hot,” where he engages in long-form conversations about leadership, military culture, and personal growth. He is also a world-record-holding wingsuit pilot; in 2015, he jumped from 36,500 feet and flew over 18 miles to raise $1 million for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Beyond his media work, he is a professional speaker and consultant who translates the high-stakes lessons of special operations into actionable advice for business leaders.

As of April 2026, Stumpf remains a leading voice in the veteran community and is preparing for the release of his new book, “Drownproof: Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water,” scheduled for launch on April 14, 2026. He continues to live in Montana, where he owns a coffee shop and remains active in the “gravity enthusiast” community as a sponsored skydiver and BASE jumper. Recently, he has been vocal about maintaining the integrity and standards of the SEAL community, often using his platform to address modern challenges within special operations.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts: Andy Stumpf Profile

Feature	Details
Full Name	Andy Stumpf
Date of Birth	1979 (Estimated)
Age	47 Years Old (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Northern California, USA
Military Branch	United States Navy (SEALs)
Unit	SEAL Team 5, SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU), SEAL Team 3
Years of Service	1996 – 2013 (17 Years)
Highest Rank	Lieutenant (O-3)
Occupation	Podcaster, Author, Professional Speaker, Skydiver
Net Worth	Estimated $5 Million – $10 Million

Early Life and Childhood Ambition

Born and raised in Northern California, Andy Stumpf was a child of singular focus. While most eleven-year-olds were preoccupied with sports or video games, Stumpf had already decided on his life’s path: he was going to be a Navy SEAL. This wasn’t a fleeting childhood whim but a calculated obsession. He grew up in an environment that fostered independence and a love for the outdoors, traits that would later become essential in the world of Special Warfare.

The Path to Enlistment

Stumpf’s dedication was so absolute that he didn’t even wait to graduate high school before beginning his journey. In 1996, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy through a delayed entry program while still a junior in high school. His motivation wasn’t seeking an easy life; rather, he was drawn to the SEAL teams precisely because he knew it was the hardest thing a person could attempt.

Military Career: A Legacy of Elite Service

Andy Stumpf’s military career spanned 17 years and saw him move through the most prestigious tiers of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community.

BUD/S and SEAL Team 5

Upon entering the Navy, Stumpf attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California. Surviving a program with a nearly 90% attrition rate, he graduated and was initially assigned to SEAL Team 5. It was here that he cut his teeth as a young operator, learning the fundamentals of maritime special operations and desert warfare.

Ascension to SEAL Team 6 (DEVGRU)

In 2002, Stumpf screened for and was accepted into the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), better known as SEAL Team 6. This unit is reserved for the top tier of SEAL operators and is tasked with the nation’s most sensitive counterterrorism missions. During his time at DEVGRU, Stumpf was part of Gold Squadron, where he executed hundreds of combat operations globally.

The AK-47 Incident and Recovery

The reality of his profession hit home during a deployment to Iraq. While clearing a target, Stumpf was shot at close range by an insurgent with an AK-47. The bullet caused catastrophic damage, and military doctors predicted that his days as a combat operator were over—stating he might be lucky to walk normally again. Defying medical expectations, Stumpf underwent a grueling recovery and returned to full active duty in just six months, a feat that remains legendary within the community.

Commissioning and SEAL Team 3

In 2008, Stumpf made history by becoming the first E-6 (First Class Petty Officer) selection to be commissioned as an officer through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Program in the history of Naval Special Warfare. As a Lieutenant, he joined SEAL Team 3, where he served as a task unit commander during final combat tours in Afghanistan before his medical retirement in 2013.

Major Achievements and Military Medals

Throughout his 17 years of service, Andy Stumpf was one of the most decorated operators of his era. His chest of ribbons tells a story of immense bravery and leadership under fire.

5 Bronze Star Medals: Four of these were awarded with the “V” device for Valor, indicating heroic acts in combat.
Purple Heart: Awarded for wounds received in action (the Iraq AK-47 shooting).
Joint Service Commendation Medal: For superior performance in joint-branch operations.
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Valor): For sustained acts of heroism.
Combat Action Ribbons: Multiple awards for active engagement in ground combat.
Presidential Unit Citation: Awarded to his unit for extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy.

Post-Military Life: The “Gravity Enthusiast”

Retirement did not slow Stumpf down; it simply changed his medium of operation. He became a professional “gravity enthusiast,” focusing on skydiving, BASE jumping, and wingsuit flying.

The $1 Million Wingsuit Flight

In 2015, Stumpf partnered with the company Kill Cliff to raise money for the Navy SEAL Foundation. Despite having never worn a wingsuit just months prior, he trained relentlessly and set two world records:

Absolute Distance Flown in a Wingsuit: He flew 18.257 miles.
Greatest Distance Flown in a Wingsuit: He jumped from an altitude of 36,500 feet (cruising altitude for most airliners).

The feat successfully raised over $1 million for the families of fallen SEALs, cementing his status as a high-impact philanthropist.

The “Cleared Hot” Podcast and Media Presence

In 2017, Stumpf launched the “Cleared Hot” Podcast. The show has grown into one of the most respected long-form interview platforms in the world. Unlike many military-themed podcasts that focus solely on “war stories,” Stumpf uses his platform to explore the nuances of the human condition.

He frequently interviews a diverse range of guests, from fellow veterans and UFC fighters to scientists and political commentators. His “Friday Fraud” and “Full Auto Friday” segments have become fan favorites for their rapid-fire advice and blunt assessments of modern culture.

Andy Stumpf’s Net Worth and Business Ventures

As of 2026, Andy Stumpf’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. His wealth is diversified across several successful streams:

Podcast Revenue: “Cleared Hot” is a top-tier podcast with significant sponsorship deals (notably with Black Rifle Coffee Company and various gear brands).
Public Speaking: Stumpf is a high-demand keynote speaker, charging substantial fees to speak at corporate events about leadership and accountability.
Consultancy: He operates a consulting firm that helps business leaders apply military-grade planning and execution to their organizations.
Real Estate and Retail: He resides in Montana, where he is involved in local business ventures, including a popular coffee shop/community hub.

Personal Life: Wife, Family, and Montana

Andy Stumpf is known to be protective of his family’s privacy, though he often speaks about the importance of being a present father. He is married and has children, often citing his family as the reason he chose to retire when he did, wanting to be there for his kids’ formative years rather than being perpetually deployed.

The Stumpf family lives in Montana, a place Andy describes as his “reset button.” He is an avid hunter and outdoorsman, often sharing his passion for the rugged Montana wilderness and the peace it brings him after years of high-decibel combat.

New Book: “Drownproof” (2026)

In April 2026, Andy released his highly anticipated book, “Drownproof: Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water.” Published by St. Martin’s Press, the book move beyond a standard memoir. It serves as a manual for resilience, using his experiences in BUD/S and SEAL Team 6 to teach readers how to manage fear, build discipline, and survive the “drowning” sensations of modern life’s stressors.

Conclusion

The Andy Stumpf Biography is a narrative of evolution. From a focused 11-year-old with a dream to a battle-hardened SEAL Team 6 operator, and finally to a thoughtful media personality, Stumpf has remained consistent in his dedication to “doing hard things.” He has successfully navigated the difficult transition from a life defined by secrecy and violence to one defined by transparency and community service.

FAQs

Was Andy Stumpf actually in SEAL Team 6?

Yes, Andy Stumpf was a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), commonly known as SEAL Team 6. He served in Gold Squadron.

How many times was Andy Stumpf shot?

He was shot once at close range by an AK-47 during a combat deployment in Iraq. The bullet caused significant damage to his leg, but he recovered and returned to duty.

What is Andy Stumpf’s net worth in 2026?

His estimated net worth is between $5 million and $10 million, earned through his podcast, speaking engagements, book deals, and consulting work.

Does Andy Stumpf still skydive?

Yes, he is a professional, sponsored skydiver and wingsuit pilot. He often BASE jumps in Montana and around the world.

Where does Andy Stumpf live?

He lives in Montana, where he enjoys hunting, flying, and running his local business ventures.

Is Andy Stumpf still in the military?

No, he medically retired from the U.S. Navy in 2013 after 17 years of service.

What is Andy Stumpf’s new book about?

His 2026 book, Drownproof, focuses on life lessons regarding leadership, discipline, and overcoming fear, drawing from his SEAL training and combat experience.