Commander

Biography

LIEUTENANT COLONEL THOMAS P. TALAFUSE

Lt Col James MalloyLt Col Thomas P. Talafuse is the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 030, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. As Commander, he provides leadership and oversight of all unit operations and is responsible for recruiting, educating, training, and inspiring men and women to become the highest quality leaders in the United States Air Force and United States Space Force.

Lt Col Talafuse began his military career in 2007, receiving his commission through the United States Air Force Academy. His background includes performance of duties in a variety of assignments, including analysis, training, and education at multiple levels. He was the Deputy Director for the Policy, Analysis, and Standards Directorate, Air Force Security Assistance Training (AFSAT) Squadron, responsible for development and implementation of DoD and DAF policy for all Air Force-sponsored international training and education for over 14,000 students annually from more than 150 nations in support of the squadron’s annual budget of $879 million and over $10.2 billion in open foreign military sales contracts. 

Lt Col Talafuse also served as the Commander and Commandant of the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) where he was responsible for supporting mission capability and readiness through providing career-related associate degrees in applied science as well as industry-recognized professional certifications and licenses. Servicing approximately 413,000 enrolled students across 115 schools and over 6,700 instructors, CCAF elevates the enlisted profession and supports recruiting, retention, and career transition for the total force. His duty stations include locations in Texas, Ohio, Virginia, Arkansas, and Alabama.

EDUCATION

  • 2007 Bachelor of Science, Operations Research and Mathematics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
  • 2008 Air and Space Basic Course, Maxwell AFB, AL
  • 2011 Master of Science in Operations Research, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
  • 2013 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
  • 2016 Doctorate of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
  • 2021 Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL

ASSIGNMENTS

  • June 2007 – August 2009, Research Analyst, 711 Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory, Brooks City-Base, TX
  • August 2009 – March 2011, Master’s Student, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
  • April 2011 – August 2013, Operational Lessons Analyst, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
  • August 2013 – August 2016, Student, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
  • August 2016 – August 2017, Strategic Analyst, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
  • August 2017 – June 2020, Assistant Professor, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
  • October 2018 – April 2019, Program Manager, Syria and Iraq Train and Equip Cell, Headquarters US CENTRAL COMMAND, MacDill AFB, FL
  • July 2020 – May 2021, Student, Air Command and Staff College – Political/Military Affairs Strategist, Maxwell AFB, AL
  • June 2021 – February 2022, Training Program Manager, Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron, JBSA-Randolph, TX
  • February 2022 – June 2023, Deputy Director, Policy, Analysis, and Standards Directorate, Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron, JBSA-Randolph, TX
  • June 2023 – June 2025, Commander and Commandant, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, AL
  • July 2025 – Present, Commander, AFROTC Detachment 030, Fayetteville, AR

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

  • Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
  • Joint Service Commendation Medal
  • Air and Space Commendation Medal
  • Air Force Achievement Medal
  • Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster
  • Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

  • Second Lieutenant May 30, 2007
  • First Lieutenant May 30, 2009
  • Captain May 30, 2011
  • Major March 1, 2017
  • Lieutenant Colonel February 1, 2022