Tanner Sermak
Mr. Tanner Sermak is a Training Instructor at the Department of Nuclear Studies, under the Air Force Institute of Technology at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Mr. Sermak is one of the instructors responsible for teaching the Nuclear Certification Process and the Nuclear Certified Equipment Courses, both of which are vital education pieces for the continuity and continued success of America’s nuclear mission.
Mr. Tanner Sermak entered the Air Force in December of 2015, and completed technical training in May of 2016. He served for over 5 years as an Active Duty Nuclear Weapons Technician at the 898th Munitions Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Mr. Sermak attended various developmental events and visited numerous significant nuclear sites during his time with the 898th Munitions Squadron, and his leadership and expertise was demonstrated multiple times over during several Nuclear Surety Inspections. As a lead supervisor, Mr. Sermak displayed professionalism both on and off duty as he worked tirelessly to assist the multitude of Airmen under his supervision. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Mr. Sermak’s leadership and nuclear weapons skillset were leaned upon heavily as he led 12 weapons logistics movements with NATO partners and strengthened U.S. nuclear deterrence across the globe.
In August of 2021, Mr. Sermak took on a new role with an entirely different set of responsibilities. As he transitioned to the role of Education and Training Manager at the 26 Special Tactics Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, he was immediately called upon to assist in the development of America’s top-level warfighters. Mr. Sermak successfully developed a multitude of individualized training plans to meet the needs of combatant commanders, and worked diligently with Special Forces members across the United States to implement new education and training requirements. Ultimately, the education and training provided by Mr. Sermak enabled Special Forces to achieve several effective deployments to active combat zones, eliminating various key targets and safeguarding national interests abroad. Prior to his current position, Mr. Sermak held the rank of Staff Sergeant, and the position title of Education and Training Manager at the 26 Special Tactics Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base New Mexico.
EDUCATION
2021 Associate of Science, Nuclear Weapons Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
2021 Bachelor of Arts, Homeland Security, American Military University, Charlestown, West Virginia.
2023 Master of Arts, Global Security, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
MILITARY ASSIGNMENTS
February 2016 – May 2016, Student, 321st training Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas
June 2016 – August 2021, Nuclear Weapons Technician, 898th Munitions Squadron, Kirtland Air Force base, New Mexico
August 2021 – December 2023, Education and Training Manager, 26th Special Tactics Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with one N device and one oak leaf cluster
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Commendation Medal
OTHER ACHEVEMENTS
2017 Superior Performer, awarded by Ashton Carter, Secretary of Defense
2018 Airman of the Quarter, 898th Munitions Squadron
2018 Maintenance Professional of the Year, 898th Munitions Squadron
2019 Airman of the Quarter, 898th Munitions Squadron
2019 Airman of the Quarter, 377th Maintenance Group
2019 Superior Performer, awarded by General John Hyten, Commander, USSTRATCOM
2019 Superior Performer, awarded by Colonel David Miller, Commander, 377th ABW
2020 NCO of the Quarter, 898th Munitions Squadron
2020 Superior Performer, awarded by Barbara Barrett, Secretary of the Air Force
2020 NCO of the Quarter, 898th Munitions Squadron
2022 Superior Performer, awarded by Colonel Patrick O’Rourke, Commander, 720th Special Tactics Group