Dr. William “Ox” Hersch, Col, USAF (Ret), is a proven educator and practitioner of military and strategic studies with an eclectic background as an instructor, educator, leader, and operator.  Originally from Pennsylvania, Dr. Hersch received his commission at Officer Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama and served over 25 years on Active Duty.  He is a veteran of both OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, with over 1,800 total flight hours and 400 combat hours in the B-1B Lancer.  Dr. Hersch is a graduated Political-Military Affairs Specialist, holds a Doctoral Degree in Military Strategy, and is practiced at developing, researching, teaching, and executing adaptive strategies across the spectrum of conflict.

PhD, Military Strategy, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

MA, Military Strategy, School of Advanced Air & Space Studies, Alabama

MA, Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Alabama

MBA, Business Administration, University of Phoenix, Arizona

BA, English Literature, Colorado State University, Colorado

Director, Strategy and Warfare Center, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (June 2024 – Present)

Assistant Professor, Military and Strategic Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (July 2023 – Present)

Chief of Capability Development, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, (June 2022 -July 2023)

Chief of Combat Plans, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, (June 2020 – June 2022)

Chief of Cadet Wing Training and Support, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (January 2019 – June 2020)

Senior Military Faculty & Deputy Head for Curriculum, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (June 2017 – January 2019)

Assistant Professor, Military and Strategic Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, (June 2014 – June 2017)

Deputy Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, 12th Air Force, Air Forces Southern, Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona (June 2011 – June 2014)

Graduate Student, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, (June 2010 – June 2011)

Graduate Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, (June 2009 – June 2010)

Executive Officer, 7th Operations Group, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, (June 2008 – June 2009)

Instructor Weapons Systems Officer and Chief of Training, 9th Bomb Squadron, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas (December 2006 – June 2008)

Assistant Operations Officer & Chief of Curriculum, VT-86 Advanced Flight Training Squadron, Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida (May 2002 – December 2006)

Weapons Systems Officer & Chief of Mobility, 34th Bomb Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, (January 2000 – May 2002)

2024:  Civilian of the Quarter, Social Sciences Division, U.S.  Air Force Academy

2018: Excellence in Educational Technology Award, Department of Military and Strategic Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy

2017:  Outstanding Instructor Award for Core Courses, Department of Military and Strategic Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy

2011:  First Command Planning Prize for Award-Winning Thesis, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Alabama

2010:  William Lawley Award for Courage, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

2010:  Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Political Advisor Fellowship, Maxell Air Force Base, Alabama

2005:  Wing Instructor of the Year, Training Air Wing Six, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida

Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (5), Air Medal (3), Aerial Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with Combat Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal with Combat Device, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal (2), Air and Space Expeditionary Service Medal (2)

Role of Bias in Decision-Making

Cognitive Security and Information Warfare Operations

Developing Adaptive Operational Strategies for 21st Century Conflict

Modeling, Simulation, and Experimentation as Operational and Strategic Tools

Assurance and Deterrence Operations

Educational Strategies for 21st Century Warfighters