Robert G. Jackman, Jr

Conduct aerial fire-watch and wildfire-detection missions under contract supporting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, operating extended-duration VFR missions throughout northern Minnesota with a DNR observer aboard. Exercise PIC responsibility for preflight planning, weather assessment, aircraft performance, fuel management, airspace coordination and safe mission execution during flights. Coordinate closely with DNR personnel to support real-time wildfire detection, location reporting and situational awareness. Maintain active civilian flight proficiency and currency while operating in dynamic weather, remote terrain and changing mission requirements.

Directed the Standards and Evaluation program overseeing aircrew qualification, mission readiness, and operational safety validation for 135+ personnel. Developed standardized evaluation protocols and scenario-based assessments. Led and mentored a 36-member team of evaluators and staff.

Spearheaded planning and execution of multi-phase UAV facility infrastructure projects, aligning engineering, operations, logistics, and security teams to meet evolving mission requirements. Managed full project lifecycle activities including scoping, risk mitigation, contract negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and phased delivery. Embedded continuous improvement and operational feedback loops into construction processes.

Led the transformation of an enterprise-wide recognition program for 135+ personnel annually, standardizing processes to improve timeliness, accuracy, and engagement. Advised senior leadership with strategic insights, trend analysis, and workforce recognition recommendations. Implemented cross-functional training and continuous improvement cycles.

Led qualification and evaluation programs for 45+ RPA pilots, assessing aircraft performance, procedural compliance, and crew execution while validating training methods and operational standards. Designed structured evaluation profiles and debrief frameworks using flight data, procedural analysis, and trend tracking. Mentored instructors and aircrew in high stakes training environments.

Served as Program Manager and Chief Pilot overseeing tactical readiness and combat training for 135+ RPA crew members. Modernized tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to integrate next-generation platforms, joint targeting strategies, and evolving adversary threats. Directed cross-functional coordination between intelligence, maintenance, logistics, and operations teams.

Directed full-spectrum MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper combat operations for over 15 years, supervising thousands of missions while evaluating aircraft performance, crew execution, and mission-system integration in high-risk environments. Applied structured review processes including mission analysis, performance trend tracking, and Root Cause Corrective Analysis based debriefs to refine procedures, improve system reliability, and standardize operational execution across crews and platforms. Championed a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Managed multi-million-dollar infrastructure and capital projects across the mining and paper mill sectors, leading planning, scheduling, and execution while maintaining full P&L responsibility and ensuring regulatory compliance. Directed union and non-union workforce teams ranging from 10 to 150 personnel. Oversaw full project lifecycle risk management.

Served as mission commander and flight lead for combat air patrols, homeland defense, and multinational operations supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Noble Eagle. Directed multi-ship formations and integrated joint-force operations. Developed and validated advanced tactics and procedures through iterative operational testing and post-flight analysis.

Contributed to early-stage design, testing, and validation of electrical metering systems. Assisted in quality assurance and reliability tracking processes. Developed foundational experience in product lifecycle support, engineering documentation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Performed complex diagnostics, maintenance, and repair on F-16 avionics and electrical subsystems. Led Air Force-directed phase inspections and system upgrades in coordination with engineering and maintenance teams. Mentored and trained junior technicians in precision maintenance practices.