Colonel Will Barksdale was commissioned into the US Air Force in 2006 from Mississippi State University, graduated ENJJPT in 2007, held instructor pilot qualifications in both the T-38 and F-22, and has been involved in the production of 350 F-22 pilots. He has deployed to the Indo-Pacific region as part of theatre security packages and commanded both an aircraft maintenance and a fighter squadron. He is a graduate of Air Command and Staff College, Air War College, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering as well as master’s degrees in Airpower Art and Science, Military Operational Art and Science, and Strategic Studies. Colonel Barksdale is a Command Pilot with over 2,000 flight hours and is currently serving as the 5th Generation Aviation Subject Matter Expert at the Joint Air Power Competence Centre.