Written By: Cadet Hunter Rausch
I can distinctly remember the day in my freshman Aerospace Studies class when we learned about AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Codes) and I walked out of class so excited about the career of Developmental Engineering, 62E. It seemed to encompass everything I wanted to do in engineering and hit all the reasons I wanted to serve in the first place. I could work on developing exciting technologies and be part of programs larger than myself that would benefit my country. That day in AERO class was the first time I had a job I could point to as what I wanted to do. In the almost four years following that day quite a bit happened, personally and nationally.
I got an opportunity to work at an internship in Denver and spent three summers developing solar electric propulsion systems for cube satellites, applying engineering skills, and furthering my love for Astro Engineering. I continued working on my Mechanical Engineering degree and picked up a Physics minor. I also got the opportunity to work as an Engineering Learning Community Mentor and worked in a physics lab on campus. All the while getting more and more excited at the prospect of using those skills as a 62E one day. Then, 20 December 2019 the United States Space Force was established as the newestmilitary service branch. This was another snapshot moment for me. I knew what I wanted to do but now I had a definitive target to aim for. My new career goal was to be a Developmental Engineer in the Space Force. There were immediately rumors of AFROTC being a commissioning source for the USSF but it took some time for those rumors to be confirmed and eventually solidified as official plans. I accepted that I would likely graduate before there was an opportunity to commission directly into the USSF. Towards the end of January 2021 the official AFSC assignments came out for seniors and I was lucky enough to get a 62E slot. A few months after that, assignments came out and I was slated to go to a Flight Test Squadron at Holloman AFB. I was ecstatic upon receiving this news. It wasn’t space but it sounded like an amazing assignment and I knew there were opportunities to8 cross commission to USSF once on active duty if that remained a goal of mine after commissioning into the Air Force. I was beyond happy with how everything worked out and took a little comfort in finally having some certainty about what was next, until I got a call from Captain Beebe saying that there was a short term opportunity for a handful of commissioning USSF seniors to commission directly to the USSF. I applied right away. Two weeks later while again sitting In AERO class Captain Beebe ran into class to announce a personal update, I was selected. Many photos around the detachment with the Space Force flag with a smile I couldn’t shake. I know I’ll still be a Developmental Engineer, but am waiting on an assignment and eagerly awaiting learning what engineering in the Space Force looks like. I feel so thankful and honored to be selected as Nebraska’s first USSF ROTC commission, though it all still feels a bit unreal. I can't wait to get started and owe so much to all the teachers, cadre, family, and friends that built me up to be able to take on this adventure.
