From NCO to Officer: A Journey of Passion and Serendipity
Dustyn Neese’s journey shows that sometimes, following your passion can open unexpected doors. Now a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, Neese’s path began as a targeting analyst in 2009. By 2020, he was a technical sergeant, balancing military duties and personal life with the desire for a degree.
Neese wasn’t initially keen on studying culinary arts. He thought, “What could I do with that?” But his wife reminded him of his love for cooking. Inspired, he enrolled at the East Coast Polytechnic Institute and juggled classes from five in the evening until midnight. He eventually earned a bachelor’s in culinary arts and a master’s in restaurant management.
While at Air Combat Command, a friend encouraged him to apply for Officer Training School (OTS). Though he first aimed to become a pilot, an eye condition led him down a different path. During career field selection, when asked about his interests, he cited food and cooking—this helped him land a role in force support, which aligns with his passion for food service.
Upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews in November 2024, Neese became the commander of the 316th Force Support Squadron’s sustainment flight. He oversees various facilities, including dining and fitness areas. He applies the analytical skills he honed in intel to manage his new role effectively.
One vital insight he shares with others is the importance of mentorship. Neese believes that those in the enlisted corps possess vast potential. “Today’s airmen often hold degrees and advanced skills but tend to stick to their assigned roles,” he says. He wants to help enlisted members understand the commissioning process, emphasizing that seeking a commission should be about purpose, not just pay. “You must be driven by a challenge,” he stresses.
Regrettably, Neese feels he waited too long to pursue officer status—a lesson he shares with younger airmen. Experts often advise individuals to consider such career decisions early on. Moreover, for those transitioning from enlisted to officer roles, there are unique retirement rules. To retire as a full officer, they need ten years in that role, which means some might find themselves stuck in their highest enlisted rank after switching.
Neese’s experiences highlight the blend of passion and dedication necessary for growth in the military. As he looks ahead, he’s pursuing a master’s in wine and beverage management and hopes to become a protocol officer.
His story is a testament to the power of embracing passion and seeking growth. Whether through food or another challenge, the key takeaway is that life’s unexpected turns can lead to fulfilling opportunities.
For further reading on career transitions and success stories in the military, visit the official U.S. Air Force website.
