EJ Snyder is a highly respected survivalist, decorated Army combat veteran, television personality, and motivational speaker, with over 25 years of military service and more than 40 years of outdoor survival experience. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, EJ's early life was marked by challenges, including bullying and a tough family situation, which fostered his interest in strength training and self-reliance. His resilience and love for the outdoors were developed during weekend trips with his father, where he learned to camp, hunt, and fish—skills that laid the foundation for his future as a survival expert.

EJ joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19, quickly rising through the ranks to become a Sergeant Major. He served in both the Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning two Bronze Star Medals and the Legion of Merit for his service. Throughout his military career, he honed his leadership and survival skills, becoming a Ranger Instructor and later a primary instructor for survival and tracking at the U.S. Army's SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School at Fort Bragg. After retiring in 2009, EJ continued to teach survival techniques to elite soldiers, including Green Berets.

In the world of television, EJ is best known for his appearances on Discovery Channel's *Naked and Afraid* and *Naked and Afraid XL*, where he became the first man to complete the survival challenge twice. His relentless determination, even in the face of severe injuries, has made him a fan favorite. He also co-hosted the ninth season of *Dual Survival*, traveling to some of the harshest environments on the planet to test his survival skills.

Beyond his survival accomplishments, EJ is passionate about motivating others and sharing his faith. He often speaks about overcoming adversity, whether it’s from his own battles with post-traumatic stress disorder or life’s many obstacles. EJ has become an advocate for anti-bullying and mental health awareness, encouraging people to live with resilience and purpose.

Currently, EJ serves as the Executive Vice President and Head Instructor for Survival Mastery, bringing his extensive experience and passion for survival education to help others learn the skills necessary to thrive in the wild. His motto, "Survive by Your Own Will," is a testament to his belief in the power of self-reliance and perseverance.