Mark Ruhl
Alamogordo
Summary
United States Air Force (USAF) Captain, F-16 Instructor Pilot, and operational leader with seven years of military service and more than 900 flight hours across fighter and training aircraft. Throughout assignments in the United States and Japan, I have led pilot development programs, managed combat readiness initiatives, coordinated large-scale deployment operations, and overseen security programs supporting mission-critical assets. My experience includes training and evaluating fighter pilots, managing complex operational schedules, directing multinational deployment planning, and mentoring high-performing teams in environments where precision, accountability, and decision-making under pressure are essential. Recognized with the Air Commendation Medal, Wingman of the Year honors, and maintainer-selected Top Pilot distinction, I seek to leverage a foundation of leadership, analytical problem-solving, and operational excellence through graduate business education.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
F-16 Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (USAF)
01.2026 - Current
- Selected for Instructor Pilot qualification and entrusted with training, evaluating, and mentoring fighter pilots. Delivered 500+ hours of ground instruction and completed 50+ instructor sorties supporting combat mission readiness and tactical proficiency.
Activities & Security Manager
8th Fighter Squadron
01.2026 - Current
- Lead squadron security and classified asset management programs. Oversee accountability and protection of $223K+ in sensitive equipment and systems supporting fighter operations and mission readiness.
Standardization & Evaluation Officer
13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
Misawa AB, Japan
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Managed qualification and evaluation programs supporting 26 fighter pilots and advised leadership on readiness, compliance, and training progression. Completed Flight Lead upgrade requirements and contributed directly to squadron combat capability. Earned Wingman of the Year recognition, received the Air Commendation Medal, and was voted Top Pilot by squadron maintenance personnel.
Assistant Project Officer
Philippines Deployment
Philippines
01.2024 - 01.2024
- Supported planning and execution of a fighter deployment involving 150+ personnel and 12 F-16 aircraft, coordinating logistics, personnel movement, and operational support requirements.
Squadron Scheduler
13th Fighter Squadron
01.2023 - 01.2023
- Coordinated approximately 4,200 fighter training sorties over eight months, balancing aircraft availability, pilot qualifications, maintenance constraints, and operational priorities.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Squadron Officer School
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Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT)
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of St. Thomas
01-2019
Skills
- Supported qualification, evaluation, and readiness programs for 26 fighter pilots as Standardization & Evaluation Officer
- Managed accountability and security of a classified vault containing $223K in sensitive equipment and computer assets
- Scheduled approximately 4,200 fighter sorties over an eight-month period while balancing training, maintenance, and operational requirements
- Coordinated deployment planning for 150 personnel and 12 F-16 aircraft supporting multinational operations in the Philippines
- Conducted 50 instructor sorties and delivered 500 hours of ground instruction developing combat-ready fighter pilots
Certification
- Air Commendation Medal (2026)
- Wingman of the Year (2023)
- Top Pilot (Maintainer Vote)
- FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
- FAA Instrument Rating
- FAA Private Pilot Certificate
- F-16 Flight Lead
- F-16 Instructor Pilot
INTERNATIONAL & OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Supported deployments, exercises, and multinational operations throughout Japan, Guam, Alaska, the Philippines, Chile, and the continental United States. Worked alongside joint-service and international partners in complex operational environments requiring adaptability, collaboration, and mission-focused leadership.
Timeline
F-16 Instructor Pilot
United States Air Force (USAF)
01.2026 - Current
Activities & Security Manager
8th Fighter Squadron
01.2026 - Current
Assistant Project Officer
Philippines Deployment
01.2024 - 01.2024
Standardization & Evaluation Officer
13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa AB, Japan
01.2023 - 01.2026
Squadron Scheduler
13th Fighter Squadron
01.2023 - 01.2023
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Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT)
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Science -
Squadron Officer School