NMSU AFROTC sees first cadet commissioned in U.S. Space Force
An Air Force ROTC cadet at New Mexico State University made history as the program’s first graduate to commission into the U.S. Space Force, highlighting NMSU’s role in preparing students for careers in space and national defense.
An NMSU Air Force ROTC cadet became the first in the program to commission into the U.S. Space Force, marking a milestone for the university’s aerospace and military leadership development.
Minerva Baumann, New Mexico State University
LAS CRUCES - The day before he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in engineering physics and a minor in nuclear chemical engineering from New Mexico State University, Ethan French was already reaching for the stars. French, an NMSU Air Force ROTC cadet, was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Space Force on Dec. 12.
“I always wanted to go in the military and follow in my dad’s footsteps, but I wanted to do something like space operations or just something with space,” said Ethan French. “When I graduated high school in 2019 is when the Space Force became a thing. Back then nobody knew what the purpose of the Space Force was. But pretty much from that first semester on, I wanted to go into Space Force, and thankfully the opportunity came up. I applied for it and got it. Now, I’m super happy I get to join.”
While growing up, French traveled extensively as part of a military family with his father U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Lance French, who was also a cadet in NMSU’s AFROTC and graduated in 1995.
“I just showed him what a great career he could have in the Air Force, and he saw for himself how fun it can be moving around,” said Gen. French. “You hear a lot of horror stories with folks who have kids that don’t like moving around, but ours do, especially growing up in an age where you can connect to anyone at any time. Ethan’s still got friends from probably every assignment we’ve been at that he still connects with. And again, just showing him what a great life the Air Force can give him.”
When an AFROTC cadet graduates and commissions into the Space Force, they become a second lieutenant, entering as a space operations officer or other specialty (cyber, intel or engineering) and usually have a four-year service commitment, going through the officer training course before their first unit, often in a role supporting global space missions.
Ethan’s mom, Mistee, says the whole family is very proud of his accomplishment.
“We’re really excited for him,” Mistee French said. “We try not to give him a hard time about not joining the Air Force, but I think the Space Force is a great fit for him, and I think that he is definitely going to make a huge impression on everyone there and make the Space Force better. I’m excited to see what he has to bring to the world.”
Crystal Brown, a master sergeant in NMSU’s AFROTC, has watched Ethan French grow over the last three years, and said French has a lot to offer the Space Force.
“He’s just always doing the right thing,” Brown said. “He’s someone that if I have a standard, I knew I could show him once and he can go and show it to everyone else because I knew he was going to uphold that standard. I teach the freshmen here for ROTC, and I counsel all of them and I ask them: ‘Who do you look up to? Who do you admire or want to be like? ‘And majority of them say Ethan French.’”
The future for a Space Force officer involves shaping a new warfighting domain, focusing on space superiority through cutting-edge tech, cyber ops, intelligence and developing future space systems. All members of the U.S. Space Force, including officers, enlisted personnel and civilians, are called “Guardians,” a term that connects to the heritage of protecting the “High Frontier” and reflects their mission to safeguard U.S. space operations.
Hanae Phillips is Ethan’s best friend and partner. She was also a cadet in NMSU’s AFROTC and graduated last spring. The term “Guardian” may be tailor-made for Ethan French.
“Well, he definitely inspired me,” Philips said. “I was not the best cadet in the beginning, but I think because of Ethan I changed my attitude. He’s everybody’s wingman. He’s everybody’s mentor. A year passed, and I was like, oh my goodness, I want to be like him. He’s always there for everybody.”
Gen. French was on stage to give his son the oath during his commissioning ceremony.
“It was really wonderful that I was able to have him do my oath,” Ethan French said. “My dad has been my mentor and role model as a leader throughout all my growth in ROTC, and I am so proud to be able to swear in as a second lieutenant while he is still on active duty. My dad graduated from NMSU, commissioning from this school in 1995. To be able to follow in his footsteps 30 years later really makes me think of Isaac Newton’s quote about standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Minerva Baumann writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at 575-646-7566, or by email at mbauma46@nmsu.edu.
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