Ready for Takeoff Air Force ROTC welcomes Davis as first enlisted aerospace studies instructor at OSU Tech. Sgt. Ephraim Davis, administration for ROTC Detachment 670, became the first enlisted aerospace studies instructor at Oklahoma State University in 2024. The department has traditionally only had military officer instructors, but Davis holds the title of assistant professor of practice in this new role. With 14 years of active-duty service in the Air Force as a non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), primarily in a personnel role, Davis’ transition to an enlisted instructor emphasizes his commitment to career progression and leadership development. “In this capacity, I lead future officers in the Air Force,” Davis said. “So, it’s a big deal for me to be able to coach, mentor and teach people who are going to outrank me one day.” Davis’ special duty assignment reflects his passion for mentorship and teaching future officers in the Air Force. He created a program at OSU for cadets called Advanced Drill for this specific reason. “Commitment, discipline, confidence and leadership are some of the key components I hope the cadets will take with them,” he said. Davis explained that those components are emphasized in Advance Drill: Cadets must commit to drill, even though it’s voluntary; cadets must exercise discipline while executing drill movements correctly — a practice that translates to success in future tasks; and cadets must build confidence. As an officer in the Air Force, Davis expressed the need for confidence to gain trust as a leader. Without it, he said, leadership effectiveness is compromised. In addition to drill, Davis is a hands-on administrator, ensuring the well-being of the students and the ROTC program. Although he is equally dedicated to the administrative side, STORY ALLIE PUTMAN | PHOTOS JASON WALLACE 6 CONNECT 2024
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