Major Travis “EDGE” Collier is an Instructor of Management at the U.S. Air Force Academy as well as a U-28A pilot with over 3,300 flight hours – including 2,000+ hours in combat. He is a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a Wallman Scholar from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business where he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Prior to his current position, Major Collier led the OA-1K Skyraider II team at Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) headquarters where his duties included developing training, coordinating personnel moves, and creating tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). He has led combat operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and deployed in support of counter-terrorism operations throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, Chicago, IL (2025)

Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence (2021)

Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala (2017)

Bachelor of Science, Management, United States Air Force Academy, CO (2011)

Director of Curriculum/Instructor of Management, Department of Management, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO (2025 – Present)

MBA Student, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, IL (2023 – 2025)

Branch Chief, Special Tactics and Ground Training (A3TT), U-28A Evaluator Pilot, AFSOC/A3, Hurlburt Field, FL (2023)

U-28A Functional Area Manager, U-28A Evaluator Pilot, AFSOC/A3, Hurlburt Field, FL (2021 – 2023)

Assistant Director of Operations, U-28A Evaluator Pilot, 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL (2020 – 2021)

Chief, Current Operations, U-28A Evaluator Pilot, 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL (2019 – 2020)

Security Flight Commander, U-28A Instructor Pilot, 34th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, FL (2017 – 2019)

Tactics Officer, Mobility Officer, Security Officer, U-28A Aircraft Commander, 318th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM (2014 – 2017)

Student, U-28A Initial Qualification, Hurlburt Field, FL (2013-2014)

Student, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, Sheppard AFB, TX (2011-2013)

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Medal with eleven combat devices and seventeen oak leaf clusters

Aerial Achievement Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with combat device and three oak leaf clusters

Combat Readiness Medal with three oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two service stars

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with three service stars

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with two service stars

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and eight oak leaf clusters

Nato Medal with one service star