Joshua Hicks

As an electrician’s helper in the DoD SkillBridge Program, I assist in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems under the supervision of a senior electrician across residential, industrial, and commercial projects. As the first 109th AW member to participate, I’m gaining valuable insight to help other military members access this paid, civilian transition program. I balance this opportunity while flying as an instructor and evaluator pilot in the LC-130H/C-130H at the 109 AW.

Instructor and evaluator pilot, ensuring 60+ pilots comply with USAF, 109 AW, and FAA regulations. I conduct inflight evaluations and tabletop Emergency Procedure Evaluations across airland, airdrop, and ski mission sets while leading our Functional Check Flight upgrade training. Committed to growth and continuous improvement, I foster a learning mentality to develop aviators and enhance proficiency. I continue to support the Squadron while preparing for retirement and seeking my next career.

90-day JTF-SFA office rotation, completing a non-standard COVID-impacted DEEP FREEZE season while maintaining SAR/MEDIVAC coverage in Antarctica. Led the first-ever Fijian redeployment, ensuring the safe Pacific transit of LC-130Hs and the successful conclusion of ODF 20/21. Ensured mission success within regulations for an unprecedented augmented LC-130H crew schedule, developed flight planning alternatives with Hickam AMD, and paved the way for future 109th member support at JTF-SFA.

Supported 60+ pilots with five flight commanders and ass't chief pilot, fostering readiness and transparency. Strengthened leadership, training, and manning, addressing challenges, and supporting members' success as polar aviators and officers. Updated training review panel guidance and created the first hiring guide using MilRecruiter.com to attract top talent. Committed to development, ensured all pilot applicants received feedback, fostering future leaders and sustaining squadron excellence.

Standardized procedures to improve proficiency & compliance, validating Squadron training. Collaborating with AMC, ensured evaluators & instructors had the tools for success through clear information flow & pyramid evaluations. After a medical complication in April 2018, I paused SEFE flying duties but continued contributing in the Stan/Eval Office, revitalizing the trends program & collaborating with Warner Robins, finalized (L)H-1 NP-2000 propeller information. I resumed flying duties 7/2020.

Led LC-130H modernization team, overseeing 11 programs, including NP-2000 propellers and 3.5 engine upgrades, improving fuel efficiency by ~7%, and thrust by ~15%. Enhanced safety with Crevasse Detection Radar and advanced science programs like IcePod, Rosetta, and Alamo Solo. Led the first LC-130H aerial survey of the Ross Ice Shelf, collecting 16,000+ km of data. As a certified SLACO, conducted the first DEEP FREEZE preseason site evaluation in 2016, advancing operational planning and safety.

Planned complex global deployments while leading research initiatives that enhanced LC-130H capabilities. Spearheaded the Common Science Support Program, enabling roll-on/roll-off research capability, and collaborated on Columbia University’s $6M IcePod project, solidifying the 109th AW’s remote sensing efforts. Led the $15M Crevasse Detection Radar program and supported high-profile missions, including Secretary of State Clinton’s 2011 Greenland flight and POTUS’ 2012 night arrival at Bagram.

Revitalized evaluations, improving the Performance Feedback and Officer Performance Report process for 96 officers while training two Guardsmen, fostering continued excellence. Assisted in managing the readiness and compliance of 174 aircrew, ensuring worldwide deployability, including the Squadron’s first combat deployment since Vietnam with four aircrews to Afghanistan in 2007. During this time, I was selected for an Active Guard and Reserve position and upgraded to Aircraft Commander (2007).

As a Traditional Guardsman awaiting Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), I used drill weekends to study T-37B procedures and learn from squadron pilots. I focused on Section 3 Emergency Procedures, Section 5 Limitations, and the Notes, Warnings, and Cautions. Though I expected a longer wait, I accepted a short-notice training vacancy at Laughlin AFB. The time spent preparing and learning from others proved extremely valuable as I launched my career as a USAF pilot.

Managed readiness folders, ensuring deployment preparedness, contributing to an "Excellent" rating in the 2006 compliance inspection. Supported the Squadron UDM during drill weekends to prepare Guardsmen. Earned Ski Mission Copilot Qualification (2005), flying LC-130H missions in the Arctic and Antarctic, delivering logistics in austere environments. Contributed to the record-breaking 05/06 Antarctic season and the 109th's "Excellent" Expeditionary Operational Readiness Inspection rating.

Trains aircrew and other designated personnel in the employment of principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment that enhance Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) prospects, regardless of climatic conditions or hostile environments. Its objective is to facilitate their return with honor to friendly forces without rendering aid or comfort to an enemy, with or without organized recovery.

This course trains aircrew and designated personnel in survival and recovery techniques following an over-water ejection, bailout, or ditching. Students learn parachute function, equipment inspection, fitting procedures, and corrective actions for malfunctions. The goal is to ensure aircrew can survive a parachute descent and be recovered. After initial training, members return to their units for follow-up refresher training to complete qualification requirements.

The C-130E training program ensures mission readiness for war, contingencies, peacekeeping, and exercises by developing core competencies for crewmembers. These include tactical ingress/egress, aeromedical evacuation, airdrop, formation flying, max-effort landings, and night vision goggle (NVG) operations. Training also covers instrument procedures, mission planning, terminal area ops, crew management, and C4 integration with command and control agencies supporting Mobility Air Force operations.

This rigorous 52-week UPT course at Laughlin AFB provided a comprehensive foundation in military aviation. Through intensive academics and flight training, I mastered instrument procedures, navigation, weather, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, mishap prevention, aerospace physiology, and crew resource management. Specializing in the T-1A airlift-tanker track, I gained expertise in Air Force airlift and tanker operations while developing the leadership skills of a junior AF officer.

As a Traditional Guardsman awaiting the Aerospace Basic Course, I attended drills to learn the 109th Airlift Wing’s mission and build a strong foundation for my military career. I engaged with pilots, navigators, flight engineers, and loadmasters to gain insight into crew responsibilities and how each position contributed to the mission. I also learned about the roles of other service members and supporting agencies across the base.

The ABC program developed values-driven officers for 21st-century aerospace operations, honing leadership, followership, and mission execution skills. It reinforced aerospace power's strategic role in joint operations and deepened my commitment to integrity, service, and excellence. I continue to uphold these values while fostering teamwork and esprit de corps.

The Air National Guard's AMS course is a rigorous officer training program designed to prepare candidates for commissioning as officers in the Air National Guard. The curriculum encompassed six core areas: military training, professional development, communication skills, leadership, Air Force/Air National Guard structure and operations, and commander's mentorship. These core lessons have been instrumental in my successful 25-year career, shaping my leadership style and operational expertise.

During this time, I attended Unit Training Assemblies as a Traditional Guardsman while waiting to begin officer training at the Air National Guard's Academy of Military Science. I made use of this time to learn about expectations for my future training and to get to better know the people I would be serving with for the next 25 years.

Handled the sale of used ski equipment from various Ski Market locations, assessing quality and value while providing expert guidance to customers. This required strong ski equipment knowledge and customer service skills, actively listening to help buyers find the right gear. Also assisted with outfitting used equipment as rentals and selling inline skates. Working at Ski Market allowed me to further develop customer service skills and ensure a positive experience for each customer. Dates est.

Started at Berkshire cleaning and prepping BMW, Triumph, and Kawasaki motorcycles for delivery and display. With my auto mechanics background, I assisted in the shop and later managed scheduling for three technicians. Worked closely with the shop manager to maintain workflow while handling occasional repairs. This experience honed my customer relations skills, introduced me to motorcycle mechanics, and inspired me to return to school after the season ended. Dates est.

Provided ground support for aircraft, ensuring safe, efficient operations through fueling, towing, marshaling, and assisting pilots and passengers. Maintained equipment, adhered to safety procedures, and upheld FAA and OSHA regulations for a well-organized ramp. I enjoyed working at the airport and gained insight into FBO operations, but scheduling conflicts led to my departure, as discounted aircraft rates couldn’t be justified for my availability. I continued to fly at Richmor Aviation.

Provided customer sales and service, performed ski tuning and binding checks, and managed the company's complimentary ski program with local resorts. Additionally, assisted with rental equipment, installed ski racks, and supported customer needs. Demonstrated strong ski equipment knowledge, attention to detail, and commitment to excellent service. This seasonal job was my first outside my family business, providing valuable experience in customer service and technical skills. Dates est.

I started in the family business at 14, learning automotive repair from the ground up. While working part-time through school, I developed technical skills, a strong work ethic, and a customer-focused mindset. After college, I managed the shop, overseeing staff and operations. My leadership philosophy, empowering teams and fostering accountability, carried into my military career. While working full-time at the shop and as a guardsman, I prepared for an AGR position, which I accepted in 2007.