About Rudolf

FOCUSED LEADER

Rudolf Mikeal Haden is a native of Powell, Wyoming.

Rudolf graduated from Powell High School and Enlisted in the United States Navy in 1993. In Boot Camp, he quickly developed as a leader, selected as his recruit company’s I-149) Honor Recruit.

Rudolf was Navigation Department Leading Petty Officer at his first command, stationed in Japan, as an E-4/3rd Class Petty Officer.

As part of his deployment in Japan, Rudolf traveled to the Middle East for Operation Southern Watch in Iraq, and also spent many months off the coast of Taiwan deterring the start of Chinese military aggression toward its neighbors. Less than 3 years into naval service, he earned a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship to the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with a Political Science degree and commissioned as an Ensign.

Soon after commissioning and during intelligence training in Virginia, Rudolf witnessed the history changing terror attacks of September 11. The attacks impacted Rudolf’s approach to every duty station and mission as a Naval Intelligence Officer.

Rudolf gained a strong sense of urgency, resiliency and humility which continue to guide him on important issues and tasks.

Throughout the 2000’s he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and multiple China Deterrence missions.

While serving at the National Counterterrorism Center in McLean, Virginia, he learned first hand how to successfully navigate the complexities of multi-agency coordination.

Humbled by the intelligence failures that led to past terrorist attacks on the U.S., he developed cross-agency procedures tracking threats more thoroughly and completely.

DRIVEN TO SERVE

Rudolf Haden built a legacy of professionalism and leadership within each command he served.

In 2010, he recognized the growing threat of a rising China in the Far East and requested to deploy to the Pacific Fleet Command.

While in Hawaii, he helped develop the most advanced and effective operations intelligence center in the Pacific since World War II! Working in the same basement headquarters Admiral Leyte worked was an inspiration to him and he worked long hours and many weekends making sure the operations intelligence watch was as effective and efficient as possible.

Rudolf earned a Masters degree in Defense and Strategic Studies at the US Naval War College in 2016, and completed a fellowship in the Wargaming Department focused on improving naval tactics versus China. Upon graduation he was an expert on China, and China’s Navy, specifically.

In 2019, Rudolf promoted to Commander/O-5, completing a navy journey that started as a Recruit/E-1. He retired from the Navy after 28 years of service in August of 2021

Rudolf retired to Billings, Montana – a childhood source of inspiration – and began his adjustment to civilian life working as a substitute teacher with Billings Public Schools.

Realizing how much he misses serving a cause greater than himself, he enthusiastically decided to pursue public office in Montana.

Rudolf is an independent voice who wants to bring informed, positive and empathetic leadership to the legislature in Helena.

Representing the people of Montana is very important to him, and he intends to be a passionate advocate for the people of House District 49!