Clarke Pleasants

Experience

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  United States Air Force

  May 1992 - Oct 1993

  Undergraduate Pilot Training, Class 94-01
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  US Army

  Nov 1993 - Feb 1994

  Rotary Wing Qualification Course
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  United States Air Force

  Mar 1994 - May 2002

  Chief of Scheduling, Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, Supervisor of Flying-551st Special Operations Squadron Instructor Pilot of the Year 2000 and 2001. Resource Advisor, Chief of Training, Standardization and Evaluation-Special Operations Liaison to Joint Forces Air Component Commander, Combined Air Operations Center, Vicenza, Italy. [Ensured SOF assets were in place to rescue downed F-117 and F-16 pilot and planned SOF Psychological Operation leaflet drops in support of air strikes.] Chief of Training Chief of Current Operations, Supervisor of Flying-Supported National SAR plan and saved two lives in Washington.

  • MH-53J Evaluator Pilot, 551st Special Operations Squadron

    Nov 1999 - May 2002

  • MH-53J/M Evaluator Pilot, 20th Special Operations Squadron

    Sept 1997 - Oct 1999

  • MH-53J Mission Pilot, 31st Special Operations Squadron

    Aug 1996 - Aug 1997

  • MH-53J Mission Qualification Course

    Sept 1995 - Jul 1996

  • UH-1N Mission Pilot, 36th Rescue Flight

    Jun 1994 - Aug 1995

  • UH-1N Mission Qualification Course

    Mar 1994 - Jun 1994
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  United States Air Force Academy

  Jun 2002 - Jul 2005

  Commander, Cadet Squadron 18 and 16, Deputy Commander-Cadet Group 2
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  United States Air Force

  Aug 2005 - Jun 2010

  Revolutionized intercontinental ballistic missile security as the first squadron to implement night vision goggle tactical low-level mission qualification and upgrade to panoramic night vision goggles increasing security response by over 40%. Led aircrew evaluation & training program with 100% mission success rate – awarded 4th Meritorious Service Medal. Provided direct oversight of new scheduling program saving 10 work-hours per week. Planned and directed security and search & rescue flight operations. Awarded 3rd Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal. Master of Military Operational Art and Science

  • Commander, UH-1N “Huey” Evaluator Pilot, 37th Helicopter Squadron

    Jun 2008 - Jun 2010

  • Director of Operations, UH-1N “Huey” Instructor Pilot, 54th Helicopter Squadron

    Jul 2006 - May 2008

  • Air Command and Staff College

    Aug 2005 - Jun 2006
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  USSOCOM

  Jun 2010 - Jun 2013

  Commander, Special Operations Command – Joint Capabilities

  Directed the organization’s disestablishment and reassignment of 96 personnel and $9 million in equipment. Taught Joint Special Operations Forces Air Component operations. Facilitated first annual training conference consolidating all SOF Component requirements across the year to ensure training support – awarded Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

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  South Dakota State University

  Jun 2013 - Nov 2014

  Commander, Air Force ROTC Detachment 780, Professor of Aerospace Studies

  Mentorship resulted in the commissioning of thirteen Air Force second lieutenants, the detachment’s largest class in sixteen years. Served as the senior military member on the local Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and the university’s Veterans Affairs Blue Ribbon Task Force improving educational support to cadets and local military families. Authored South Dakota State University Air Force and Army Reserve Officer Training Corps joint “Future Investment and Growth Plan” that aligned both Reserve officer Training Corps programs with the university’s vision. • Taught Senior and Sophomore classes: “National Security Affairs/Preparation for Active Duty” and “The Evolution of USAF Air & Space Power”; facilitated weekly cadet led Leadership Lab – awarded 5th Meritorious Service Medal Show less

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  Train, Advise, Assist Command - Air (US Air Force); Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL / RESOLUTE SUPPORT

  Dec 2014 - Nov 2015

  Commander, 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group

  During 5 attacks and while under constant threat of insider, ground and rocket attacks, led a diverse team of more than 140 military and civilian personnel spanning 30 military occupational specialties in the execution of combat operations. As the senior advisor to the Kandahar Air Wing Commander, shaped the execution of flight training, airborne counter insurgency operations and sustainment of 22 aircraft worth over 142 million dollars – awarded Bronze Star.• Energized flight line operations and rallied mechanics and aircrews into technical aviation professionals; integrated advisor team with Afghan maintenance leadership inspiring a surge in the mission capability rate from 35 to 92%• Immediately responded to two downed Mi-17 helicopters; proactive leadership insured not only the recovery of the aircrews, but a complete safety investigation and correction of deficiencies within helicopter air to ground tactics• Deliberate mentoring drove 1,171 combat flights transporting 745,000 lbs of cargo, 12,600 troops and 1,500 casualties Show less

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  USSTRATCOM

  Dec 2015 - May 2018

  Chief, Operations Centers Division & Battle Watch Commander (BWC)

  Supervises the training and battle-staff readiness for three fixed and airborne USSTRATCOM command centers. Certifies the commander's Emergency Action teams to ensure 24/7 readiness to posture, launch, or execute US strategic forces. Advises Commander on nuclear force employment during wartime/exercises, with recommendations to the President.• Secured $1.7M for IT updates and increased the number of divert airfields for the national Airborne Command Post• Led 108-person operations and intelligence team on Joint Staff Assistance Visit deployment-best in eight years• Performed 30 additional shifts during Global Operations Center manning shortfall filling, critical leadership role• Trained and certified 6 BWCs and 112 joint experts, ensuring commander’s nuclear mission readiness Show less

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  MD Helicopters, Inc.

  Jun 2018 - Aug 2019

  Director, Flight & Maintenance Training

  Responsible for the development and delivery of safe and efficient military and commercial customer flight training, maintenance training, and weapons systems training.• Saved $20K on the purchase of new NVG’s for MDHI pilot training and proficiency – replaced 9 year-old set of NVG’s • Validated and accepted the delivery of the first MD530G Flight Training Device – $2.3M project executed on time

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  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Aug 2019 - Jul 2024

  Program Chair, Rotor & Assistant Professor, Aeronautical Science
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  Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

  Aug 2024 - now

  Assistant Professor of Aerospace