Capt. Porado was born and raised in Newtown, Connecticut and received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fordham University. Upon graduation from Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training, he served at multiple SEAL teams and commanded SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. Capt. Porado earned his master's degree from the U.S. Naval War College and completed shore tours at U.S. Special Operations Command and most recently serving as a branch chief within the Directorate for Special Operations/Counter Terrorism on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon.