Bio
Lieutenant Colonel Tim Ford joined the USAFA faculty in 2023 after completing his PhD at the University of Denver. His dissertation focused on civil-military relations in severely polarized democracies. As an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, Lieutenant Colonel Ford teaches classes on Comparative Politics, American Government, and National Security. Prior to his time at the University of Denver, Lieutenant Colonel Ford was the Director of Operations at the 30th Reconnaissance Squadron, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Previous positions include Instructor at the USAF Weapons School, Department of Defense Legislative Fellow, and instructor/evaluator in the RQ-170, MQ-9, and MQ-1 aircraft.
Lt Col Ford grew up in Massachusetts and received his commission in 2006 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned his pilot wings from Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. He has over 900 combat and combat support hours in support of a several contingency operations across the world.
Education
2023 – Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies, University of Denver, Colorado
2018 – Graduate Certificate, Legislative Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
2018 – Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2013 – Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Alabama
2012 – Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2012 – U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, Nevada
2006 – Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
2006 – Bachelor of Science, Biology, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Professional Experience
Aug 2023 – Present, Assistant Professor, USAFA, Colorado Springs, CO
Aug 2020 – Aug 2023, Student, University of Denver, Colorado
Jun 2019 – Aug 2020, Director of Operations, RQ-170, Creech AFB, NV
Jan 2019 – Jun 2019, Branch Chief, Congressional Travel, SecAF Legislative Liaison, Pentagon, Arlington, VA
Aug 2017 – Jan 2019, Defense Department Legislative Fellow, Washington, D.C.
Jul 2015 – Aug 2017, ADO of Weapons, Instructor/Evaluator, RQ-170, Creech AFB, NV
Jun 2012 – Jul 2015, Instrutor/Evaluator, MQ-9, USAF Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, NV
Jan 2012 – Jun 2012, Student USAF Weapons Instructor Course, MQ-9 Nellis AFB, NV
Apr 2009 – Jan 2012, Asst. Chief of Weapons, Instructor, Evaluator, MQ-1, Creech AFB, NV
May 2008 – Apr 2009, Student Pilot, T-38, Vance AFB, Oklahoma
Apr 2007 – May 2008, Student Pilot, T-34, Whiting Field Florida
May 2006 – Apr 2007, Wing Safety Liaison Officer, Eglin AFB, Florida