Col (ret) Keith Balts, PhD, is the Director of the Leadership Signature Program and Kramer Family Leadership Faculty Fellow at Clemson University.

Educational Background
Ph.D. Engineering and Science Education
Clemson University 2024

Master of National Security and Strategic Studies
Naval War College 2010

Master of Arts in Military Operational Arts and Science
Air Command and Staff College 2005

B.S. Mathematics
University of Wisconsin-Madison 1992

Keith Balts, Colonel (Retired), USAF, earned his Ph.D. in Engineering and Science Education at Clemson University in 2024. He is a professor of practice and currently serves as the Director of the Leadership Signature Program and Kramer Family Leadership Faculty Fellow in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University. Prior to his current position, he served as the commander of Clemson’s Air Force ROTC detachment, dual-hatted as the department chair for aerospace studies. He served for twenty-eight years as an Air Force space operations officer after earning a B.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He has deployed four times to southwest Asia and has served as a squadron commander, vice wing commander, wing commander, inspector general, and the Director of Space Forces for the Middle East region. Keith has also earned a Master of Engineering degree in Space Operations from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and two additional master’s degrees related to national security and leadership from Air University and the Naval War College. He is also graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School.

His volunteer service includes Chair responsibilities for two University military-connected alumni clubs and two local Scouting-related committees. He also served as the Vice Chair for the three-county Scout District Committee in the upstate.

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About Redwire:

Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) is an integrated space and defense tech company focused on advanced technologies. We are building the future of aerospace infrastructure, autonomous systems and multi-domain operations leveraging digital engineering and AI automation. Redwire’s approximately 1,300 employees located throughout the United States and Europe are committed to delivering innovative space and airborne platforms transforming the future of multi-domain operations.

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In this episode of The Spacepower Podcast, host Bill “Hippie” Woolf sits down with siblings Master Sergeant Matthew T. Davis and Lieutenant Hannah Mangum for an inside look at Space Force recruitment, training, and life as a Guardian.

Master Sergeant Davis shares insights from his 16-year career in recruiting, breaking down what it really takes to join the Space Force—from qualifications and career paths to the service’s highly selective process, which evaluates roughly 1,000 enlisted applicants each year.

Lieutenant Mangum offers a fresh perspective as a newly commissioned officer, reflecting on her transition from civilian life and into the Space Force. She highlights the value of STEM education, leadership potential, preparation, and a willingness to learn for anyone aspiring to serve.

Whether you're curious about Space Force opportunities, considering a military career, or simply fascinated by the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, this conversation delivers clarity, candor, and plenty of inspiration.

🎧 Tune in to learn:
- What Space Force recruiters look for
- How enlisted and officer pathways differ
- Why leadership and adaptability matter as much as technical skills
- What new Guardians can expect on their journey

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