USSF 535th Training Squadron, MTI Earn AFA Honors
by U.S. Space Force Brandon Kalloo Sanes
Space Training and Readiness Command
August 7, 2026

The Texas Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) recognized the U.S. Space Force 535th Training Squadron, Space Delta 1, as its Unit of the Year and USSF Tech. Sgt. Tyler J. Strauser, 535th Training Squadron, as its Military Training Instructor of the Year during an awards ceremony on June 26, 2026.

The awards highlighted the squadron’s work to build a distinct Space Force Basic Military Training experience, including an updated curriculum for new Guardians, as well as Strauser’s role in strengthening how instructors develop combat-credible forces.

“Through the hard work and dedication of our personnel, we have made tremendous strides in establishing an independent Space Force BMT experience,” Lt. Col. Brett Tuning, 535th TRS commander said. “That work has been critical to developing the next generation of Space Force BMT.”

As part of STARCOM’s broader mandate to prepare combat-credible forces, the 535th TRS serves as the primary gateway for all enlisted Guardians entering the service.

Strauser serves as the squadron’s MTI trainer for standardization and evaluations. His selection came as a surprise because of the Space Force’s comparatively small presence at JBSA-Lackland and the number of Air Force MTIs eligible for recognition.

“It was definitely a shock and not something I expected,” Strauser said.

During the 2025 award period, the unit faced low manning and high turnover. Newly assigned MTIs typically require four months to complete the qualification process before they can fully support the mission.

Strauser helped restructure the course, creating a pathway for instructors to complete the training in half the time.

“We were able to solidify a quality process that brought that qualification time down to two months,” Strauser said. “That enabled more student MTIs to get certified and helped alleviate some of the strain on instructors.”

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Fenwrick is the squadron’s BMT operations superintendent and Strauser’s current supervisor. He said the revised process allowed new instructors to join the team more efficiently and become ready to lead Guardians sooner.

Strauser also established the organization’s first standardization and evaluation program. The program created a consistent framework for evaluating instructors and helping them refine their approach to training.

“Instructors were able to see areas they could improve, but more importantly, they could see areas where they were excelling,” Strauser said. “They could see where their hard work was hitting home on the trainees most.”

Fenwrick said establishing the program was the accomplishment that best demonstrated Strauser’s impact on the squadron.

“That program plays a crucial role in setting the standards for our unit and, in turn, the greater Space Force,” Fenwrick said.

Fenwrick said Strauser’s integrity and knowledge of the mission have made him a trusted resource throughout the squadron.

“All of our instructors learn from Tech. Sgt. Strauser, myself included,” Fenwrick said. “He knows our roles and responsibilities better than anyone.”

Fenwrick recalled Strauser guiding him through a dormitory inspection and showing him the level of detail expected from an evaluator. He said the experience reflected Strauser’s professional approach to providing feedback.

Strauser also contributed to a revision of the Space Force BMT curriculum. The effort removed nearly 200 pages of redundant guidance and saved an estimated 145 training hours annually. The curriculum updates and new instructor standards helped provide stability during a period of continued change within the training pipeline.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without the input from the entire MTI team,” Strauser said.

These awards reflect the role MTI’s have in shaping the culture and standards new Guardians bring to the growing Space Force after they graduate. Newly minted Guardians take on assignments around the world; each having been molded by 535th TRS instructors. When they report for duty, they’ll carry with them the many lessons learned at Space Force BMT, ensuring they’re ready to bring combat credibility to the joint fight on day one.

U.S. Space Force | U.S. Department of War

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