Lt Col Randall Deppensmith currently serves as the Deputy Department Head and Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the United States Air Force Academy.  This is Lt Col Deppensmith’s second instructor tour at the Academy.  His primary instruction/courses focus on teaching fundamental electronic applications and active device hardware concepts.

After commissioning from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000, Lt Col Deppensmith has served in a variety of acquisition, operations, and research and development duties.  His eclectic experiences include assignments at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), developing novel sensor technology, creating methods to identify counterfeit/malicious electronics, and advancing high-power microwave non-kinetic capabilities.  Lt Col Deppensmith also leveraged his engineering background as an AFRL technical intelligence analyst to keep senior leaders informed on adversarial advancements in the realm of space and directed energy capabilities.  In his first assignment after completed a master’s degree immediately after commissioning, Lt Col Deppensmith was responsible for instrumentation and operational testing of a variety of new kinetic weapons at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency test ranges.  He also upheld the ultimate backstop for United States security, as a nuclear combat crew ICBM officer.  Additionally, Lt Col Deppensmith deployed to U.S. Central Command, implementing the President’s security cooperation policy with Pakistan.

Doctor of Philosophy, Electrical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (2016)

Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence (2010)

Squadron Officer School, in residence (2007)

Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2002)

Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Math Minor, Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO (2000)

Deputy Head, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO (2019-Present)

Deputy Division Chief Aerospace Components, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (2018-2019)

Deputy Program Manger Trusted Electronics, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (2016-2018)

Chief ICBM Crew Scheduling, 90th Operations Support Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, WY (2009-2010)

ICBM Combat Crew, 321st Missile Squadron, F.E. Warren AFB, WY (2006-2009)

ICBM Operations Student, 392nd Training Squadron, Vandenberg AFB, CA (2006)

Chief Intelligence Analysis, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, NM (2005-2006)

Directed Energy Program Manager, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland AFB, NM (2004-2005)

Test Technical Director, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Kirtland AFB, NM (2002-2004)

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Joint Service Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air Force Commendation Medal

Combat Readiness Medal

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

Distinguished Graduate U.S. Air Force Academy

Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society)

Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society)

Secure Semiconductor Fabrication

Detection of Counterfeit Electronics

Space Electronics

Software Defined Radio

Advanced Radio Frequency Modulation Methods