VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A U.S. Space Force Master Sergeant won ‘Distinguished Graduate’ during his attendance to U.S. Marine Corps Advanced School at Quantico, Virginia, Aug. – Sept., 2023.
The recipient, Master Sgt. Bryan Paintiff, Vault Communications Manager for the Combined Force Space Component Command, earned the coveted award by emphasizing teamwork amongst 39 other Gunnery Sergeant peers, achieving a ‘First Class’ rating of the USMC physical fitness test, and exemplifying academic excellence in the challenging two-month course.
“My biggest takeaway from Marine Corps Advanced School was the emphasis on teamwork,” Paintiff said. “Most of the coursework focused on working in large and small groups to accomplish our end state which mirrors real-world Joint Operations. As a small branch that values Connection, I hope other Guardians get the opportunity to experience Sister Service Professional Military Education as it helps bridge the gap in our warfighting mentality.”
The opportunity for Paintiff to participate in a Sister Service PME course is an accomplishment by itself, as Paintiff was only 1 of 2 Space Force Master Sergeants selected through a competitive process to attend the USMC Senior-level PME course in FY23.
“I was the first Guardian my classmates had interacted with, and I was humbled to represent the Space Force,” Paintiff explained. “It was great to be able to talk about the importance of Space in everyday operations and the capabilities we provide to the nation and other services. I was shocked to find out I was Distinguished Graduate of the course, but proud that I made a lasting impression of what Guardians are capable of in a Joint Environment.”
A native of St. Louis and five-time deployer during his career, Paintiff oversees all vault communications in support of CFSCC’s warfighting capabilities by managing military and civilian personnel as well as maintaining vital data links and equipment.
“We are very proud of MSgt Paintiff and his selection as Distinguished Graduate,” said U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Cassandra Hidalgo, CFSCC Chief of Current Operations. “He is the embodiment of professionalism and a critical asset to the vault mission. I have no doubt that MSgt Paintiff is fully deserving of this award and will continue to live up to those standards in every aspect of his career.”