In this article, The AFIT Foundation is recognizing Mr. Gabe Mounce, US Space Force Guardian and Director of the Tech Engagement Office for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Mr. Mounce received his MS in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology in 2003. His journey in the Air Force stemmed from a desire to go to space. By joining the Air Force through ROTC and later completing an advanced degree at AFIT, Mr. Mounce was able to receive a world class education, serve the country, and set a path toward a technical career in the Aerospace industry and the Space sector.

Mr. Mounce is now a US Space Force Guardian, leading innovation for the Department of the Air Force as Director of the Tech Engagement Office at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) in New Mexico. He leads engagement and outreach with the private sector to find pathways to commercialize AFRL Space and Directed Energy technology, and scouts interesting commercial capabilities for the US Space Force and US Air Force mission use. Through this work, Mr. Mounce helped found SpaceWERX, the US Space Force’s Innovation Office. Additionally, he still serves in a military capacity as a Colonel with the US Air Force Reserve where he supports the newly minted U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S), the service component to USSPACECOM.

AFIT was instrumental in building Mr. Mounce’s analytical skills and providing a foundation for continued technical learning and understanding. This, in turn, has enabled both career advancement within AFRL and the broader technical community, as well as advancement in his US Air Force Reserve career, and has opened doors for participation in ways he would not have otherwise considered. He has been able to establish better ways for the US Space Force to engage with the commercial space sector and has helped establish and evolve the ways the Combined and Joint forces employ and coordinate space capabilities.

When asked to reflect on his days at AFIT, Mr. Mounce writes, “The rigorous curriculum and compressed schedule meant spending a lot of hours studying, writing, and lab work. I wasn’t always sure I would make it through. My favorite memory was walking across the stage at the Air Force Museum and receiving my diploma with my wife and family in attendance!”

Mr. Mounce’s advice to those considering entering the military is to weigh all your options. He has served in Active Duty, Civilian, and Reserve capacities, each providing advantages ranging from educational opportunities, work-life balance, and career options. These opportunities provide steppingstones toward industries and enterprises that one might want to enter. The beauty is that there are as many ways to serve as there are individuals. Finally, Mr. Mounce writes, “And if you can’t choose…well I’ll give you a nudge…Space is cool – considering joining the US Space Force!” Thank you, Mr. Mounce!