ETHAN SCHEPONIK
Multi-Domain Operations Aviator & Instructor
Pottstown,PA
Summary
Senior military operator and instructor with 10+ years of experience leading high-stakes intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions across five Air Force squadrons. Trained and led teams of 50+ personnel, developed tactics adopted across multiple areas of responsibility, and logged 3,700+ operational flight hours. Active TS/SCI clearance. Proven ability to plan, execute, and evaluate complex operations under pressure.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Multi-Domain Operations Aviator & Instructor
103rd Attack Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Horsham, Pennsylvania
06.2021 - Current
- Serve as advanced tactical crew member on Remotely Piloted Aircraft, conducting 24/7 operations in support of national security missions.
- Train and evaluate aviators across Mission Qualification, Combat Mission Ready, Verification, and Instructor upgrade programs, identifying trend deficiencies and driving targeted training improvements.
- Instruct academic, simulation, and in-flight performance evaluations, delivering structured feedback and remediation plans.
- Contribute to squadron-level readiness through mentorship, program review, and cross-crew standardization.
Instructor & Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Safety
551st Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Cannon AFB, NM
08.2019 - 12.2020
- Trained and qualified aircrew on MQ-9 multispectral targeting systems, contributing to a Formal Training Unit program that produced 50+ officer and enlisted graduates.
- Served as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Safety for 120+ personnel, overseeing risk management, safety briefings, and incident prevention.
- Acted as subject matter expert for tactics, systems, and instructional standards across the training pipeline.
Sensor Operator, Weapons & Tactics Lead (Initial Cadre)
65th Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Hurlburt Field, FL, Florida
08.2017 - 08.2019
- Selected as Initial Cadre for a newly established Special Operations detachment, building the weapons and tactics program from the ground up.
- Served as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Weapons & Tactics, developing and distributing tests, tactical guidance, and Air Force publications.
- Partnered with the Special Operations Tactics Analysis Team to develop new tactics adopted across five areas of responsibility.
- Executed full mission planning, pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight duties in accordance with technical orders and Rules of Engagement.
- Recognition: Airman of the Quarter (Jan-Mar 2018 and Jul-Sep 2018); Sensor Operator of the Year 2018; Coined by 27th Special Operations Group Commander.
Sensor Operator
3rd Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Cannon AFB, NM
09.2016 - 08.2017
- Conducted 24/7 ISR, Close Air Support, Combat Search and Rescue, and Dynamic/Time Sensitive Targeting operations using full-motion video, sensor systems, and precision-guided munitions.
- Executed Strike Coordination, Air Interdiction, and Maritime Surface Warfare operations in accordance with Combatant Command Rules of Engagement.
Sensor Operator
33rd Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
Cannon AFB, NM
09.2015 - 09.2016
- Conducted 24/7 ISR and Close Air Support operations, delivering real-time intelligence and kinetic support for U.S. and Allied Forces.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Air and Space Operations Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL05.2021
Skills
- Personnel Leadership & Training (50 direct, 120 safety oversight)
- Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Mission Planning & Execution
- Strong communication skills
- Program & Curriculum Development
- Trend Analysis & Performance Evaluation
Accomplishments
- Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School (2019)
- Sensor Operator of the Year, 65th Special Operations Squadron (2018)
- Airman of the Quarter (2x), 65th Special Operations Squadron (2018)
- Member, Special Operations Tactics Analysis Team
- Aerial Achievement Medal, 12th Oak Leaf Cluster
Timeline
Multi-Domain Operations Aviator & Instructor
103rd Attack Squadron, U.S. Air Force
06.2021 - Current
Instructor & Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Safety
551st Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
08.2019 - 12.2020
Sensor Operator, Weapons & Tactics Lead (Initial Cadre)
65th Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
08.2017 - 08.2019
Sensor Operator
3rd Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
09.2016 - 08.2017
Sensor Operator
33rd Special Operations Squadron, U.S. Air Force
09.2015 - 09.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Air and Space Operations Technology
Community College of The Air Force
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Aerial Achievement Medal, 12th Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Graduate, Airman Leadership School (2019), Sensor Operator of the Year, 65th Special Operations Squadron (2018), Airman of the Quarter (2x), 65th Special Operations Squadron (2018), Coin, 27th Special Operations Group Commander (2018), Member, Special Operations Tactics Analysis Team
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Active TS/SCI — U.S. Department of Defense