Next up on our Warfighter Wednesday series, is Electronic Warfare Capability Gap Analyst, Aaron Madler. Aaron served in the United States Air Force for 11 years before joining Ignite in 2025. Today, Aaron supports one of our Prime Contract customers, the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).

Aaron attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, New York from 2009 – 2013, where he graduated with a Coast Guard License as a Third Mate (Officer) and a Bachelor of Science in Logistics and Intermodal Transportation. During his studies, he served in the Navy Reserve. Upon graduation, he commissioned in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Offutt Air force Base in Omaha, Nebraska for the remainder of his military career.

Aaron’s main role during his time serving was as an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) on the RC-135 Rivet Joint. He spent many years refining his technical skills and training new EWO’s. His final title upon the end of his operational career was Chief Electronic Warfare Officer for the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron.

In addition to his flying duties, he also served in roles across the Training Office, Weapons and Tactics Office, and the Command, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Office, serving as an Assistant Flight Commander, Flight Commander, Flight Chief, and ultimately as an Assistant Director of Operations.

What’s a moment from your service that stands out to you?

Aaron was selected as the initial Detachment Director of Operations responsible for helping establish a new operating location for the RC-135.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to run operations and support our flight crews, as well as assist other 55th Wing crews transiting through the location. Building new working relationships and helping establish processes that would support long-term mission success was both challenging and rewarding. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and for the team effort that made the detachment successful.”

Personal Connections

Aaron’s decision to join the military was heavily influenced by his family’s deep roots to service. His grandfather served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam as a helicopter repairman, while his father, aunt, and uncles all served in the U.S. Air Force as enlisted members.

“For me, the opportunity to serve was always something that felt natural. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and solving problems, and military service gave me the chance to do both while contributing to something larger than myself.”

Lessons and Values

As the Chief EWO and Assistant Director of Operations, Aaron was fully immersed in problem-solving every day – managing schedules, deployments, exercises, development, and upgrades for the squadron’s EWOs.

“The experience reinforced that success comes from supporting people, staying flexible, and working through challenges together.”

Accountability, teamwork, and adaptability are among the strongest traits he still possesses from this role.

Transition to Ignite

Aaron’s time as Chief EWO gave him extensive experience with Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO). That experience alone directly helped him transition to his role at Ignite as the EW Capability Gap Analyst supporting the United States Strategic Command Joint EMSO Center (JEC).

“My experience as an initial cadre member and instructor — researching, analyzing, and teaching complex systems — has been invaluable for supporting JEC projects. I’m proud to contribute to the JEC’s mission and continue learning about EMSO efforts across the entire Department of War.”

Aaron takes great pride in being a Warfighter.

“I’m proud to contribute my own experience and knowledge to such a warfighter-focused organization. It’s inspiring to see how much we can help, and I appreciate the opportunity to support the improvement of EMSO focus areas and contribute to the development of future capabilities.”

Advice for Those Serving or Transitioning:

When asked what advice he would give to someone currently serving or transitioning out of the military, Aaron stated

“Take the time to recognize how transferable your skills really are. Leadership, accountability, and the ability to operate under pressure are valuable in any field.”

Aaron’s favorite quote:

“Leaders win through logistics. Vision, sure. Strategy, yes. But when you go to war, you need to have both toilet paper and bullets at the right place at the right time. In other words, you must win through superior logistics.” – Tom Peters, Rule #3: Leadership Is Confusing As Hell, Fast Company, March 2001.

This phrase deeply resonates with Aaron and his experience as a Warfighter. “It reminds me that success comes from being prepared, gaining the right knowledge, and being ready to contribute my skills whenever and wherever they are needed. At the USMMA, it reflected what I learned in the logistics program and my role as Regimental Logistics Officer in my senior year. In the Air Force, it meant knowing my weapon system and working with my crew to ensure we could support any mission with the right skills at the right time.”

Thank you for your service, Aaron. It is an honor to have you on the Ignite team.