SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Having the goal of making a difference in the world, U.S. Space Force Tech. Sgt. Joshua Arrington, Space Delta 9 – Orbital Warfare non-commissioned officer in charge of initial qualification training, has spent a successful six years in the U.S Air Force, now transferred to the USSF, and plans to serve until retirement.
With him on this journey is his wife of six years and their two dogs, a black Labrador-German Sheppard mix, Roxy and a Terrier, Patches. They also have the intention to expand their family in the near future.
Beyond immediate family, Arrington is a third generation military member. His grandfather served in the Korean War as a security forces member for over 20 years and his father served as an officer in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.
“Being able to continue my family’s tradition of military service is an awesome thing to do, and having two veterans to gain knowledge from has really helped me better myself,” said Arrington.
Arrington’s unique history doesn’t rest on generational military involvement. He also has an educational background prior to joining that is diverse to his current career field.
“Most people don’t know that I spent a year in college studying research biology before joining the Air Force,” said Arrington. “I’ve always loved science, learning and discovering new things, and really enjoyed doing research with my college in Tennessee.”
Separate from his interest in pursuing biology, Arrington now serves as an instructor where he is responsible for training incoming DEL 9 members on orbital warfare operations. He ensures members are able to use tactics, techniques and procedures to make certain that there is freedom of movement throughout the battlespace; and U.S. assets are safe from adversaries.
“I accomplish this by giving the students information on a topic and then running them through training missions that are based off real world threats,” said Arrington. “This allows students to see a good portion of situations that they will encounter when operating Delta 9 weapon systems in the real world.”
The impact that Arrington has had in his squadron is unquestionable.
“Tech Sgt. Arrington has been instrumental in standing up the 750th Operations Support Squadron,” said U.S. Space Force Capt. Christopher Dong, 750th Operations Support Squadron division chief, force generation. “As one of the original Jotnars, Arrington’s leadership has allowed not only the squadron to flourish, but also Delta 9’s first of its kind Initial Qualification Training course, entitled Orbital Defense Initiation (ODIN), which indoctrinates all members in the art and science of orbital warfare into the Delta. He epitomizes the ideal [non-commissioned officer] and Guardian that the Space Force needs.“
It is plain to see that Arrington is an asset to the USSF in more ways than one and he has leaned on others to ensure consistent growth and development.
Arrington’s instructing abilities don’t end there. Before COVID-19, Arrington volunteered his time to educate a Junior ROTC unit his father teaches in Denver, Colorado.
“I really enjoy educating teens on space and the Space Force,” he exclaimed. “While COVID has put a damper on this, I hope to get back to doing this later this year.”
Since childhood, Arrington has had a strong desire to work in space as he would frequently watch space and science-fiction movies and was inspired to work in the same careers that were portrayed by the characters.
His fantasy became a reality when he joined the USSF.
“Space is the newest battleground in the world, and being able to be on the leading edge of this is super awesome,” Arrington said. “Orbital warfare operations is a very high-stakes community to be in and I love employing my knowledge to ensure America’s space assets remain safe and able to complete their missions.”
Aside from his deeply entrenched desire to aid in dominating the space domain, Arrington has a plethora of personal hobbies that bring him joy.
“I love being outdoors and try to do anything that will get me outside,” Arrington expressed. “I race mountain bikes during the summer, along with some fly fishing in-between races. During the winter if I’m not working I’m usually skiing throughout the western states.”
Along with his outdoor hobbies that involve physical activities, Arrington takes a keen interest in activities that stimulate his mind as well.
“If I can’t get outside, I’m working on getting my private pilot’s license and usually hop on the new Microsoft simulator to try to keep my skills up,” said Arrington.
Arrington derives a sense of satisfaction engaging in various hobbies which allows him the balance he needs to bring positivity to the work place.
“Positivity can go a long way and it’s needed through any type of work force,” said Arrington. “Getting the job done and helping people is inspiring to me”