TSgt Michael A. Aponte is the Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Operations Flight Superintendent at the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 765 at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. He plays a vital role in ensuring cadet readiness and supporting mission goals. He also upholds military standards, guiding cadets in areas such as the Uniform Code of Military Justice, drill, and human relations. He advises leadership on cadet health, well-being, and professional development while assisting with course instruction, commissioning, and personnel actions. Additionally, TSgt Aponte oversees cadet accountability, record-keeping, and uniform standards, helping cadets balance their academic and military responsibilities and fostering leadership and morale.
Sergeant Aponte, a native of New York, NY enlisted in the Air Force in October 2007 and was assigned to the 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Throughout his career in Missile and Space Systems Maintenance, he has filled a variety of positions in direct support of the Air Force’s nuclear deterrence mission including maintenance technician, missile handling team chief and maintenance
supervisor for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. He has played vital roles in ensuring the success of crucial weapon system tests and exercises, along with supporting international treaty compliance and verification. In May 2024, he transferred to Det 765, The Citadel where he leverages his subject matter expertise to train and mentor the next generation of the Department of the Air Force’s Officers.
Education
2012 Airman Leadership School, Minot AFB, N.D.
2019 Associate of Science, Missile and Space Systems Maintenance, CCAF, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2020 Noncommissioned Officer Academy, by distance learning
2023 Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation, Vandenberg SFB, Calif.
Assignments
October 2007 – September 2012, Missile Maintenance Team Member, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota
October 2012 – July 2013, Intercontinental Ballistic Codes Controller, 91st Missile Maintenance Squadron, Minot AFB, North Dakota
August 2013 – July 2015, Missile Handling Team Member, 581st Missile Maintenance Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
August 2015 – January 2016, Missile Handling Team Chief, 581st Missile Maintenance Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
February 2016 – December 2018, Missile Handling Instructor, 581st Missile Maintenance Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah
January 2019 – March 2019, Survivable Systems Team Chief, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming
April 2019 – August 2019, Missile Handling Team Member, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming
September 2019 – February 2021, Missile Handling Supervisor, 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, WY
March 2021 – April 2024, Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Course Instructor Supervisor, 532d Training Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, Calif.
May 2024 – Present, Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies and Operations Flight Superintendent, Det 765, The Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Major Awards and Decorations
Air & Space Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters
Air & Space Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster
Effective Dates of Promotion
Airman Basic October 02, 2007
Airman First Class November 16, 2007
Senior Airman March 16, 2010
Staff Sergeant December 01, 2012
Technical Sergeant September 01, 2019
(CURRENT AS OF SEPTEMBER 2024)