By Ruby Durham
When Walter Kirkland Jr. reflects on his journey from a military kid to an officer in the United States Space Force, it’s clear that adaptability and determination have been the driving forces in his life. Kirkland’s path to becoming a U.S. Space Force Cyber Operations Officer is not just a story of academic achievement but one of resilience, seizing opportunities and making the most of every experience no matter the odds.
Kirkland’s background is as unique as his future career. As a child of Army parents, his “hometown” was constantly changing. “We moved around 10 times before my parents were stationed at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) in 2015,” he said. “By the time I was in high school, I’d lived in so many places, but Fayetteville and Charlotte, North Carolina, became home after my parents retired in 2020.”
It was in Fayetteville that Kirkland first developed a deep interest in military service, pursuing an Air Force ROTC scholarship at Village Christian Academy. However, like many of his peers, Kirkland’s academic experience took an unexpected turn when the covid pandemic disrupted the world in 2020. Despite the challenges of remote learning and restricted access to campus, Kirkland’s dedication to his goals never wavered.
“My first two years were a bit unconventional,” he said. “I remember doing ROTC physical training in my dorm room, trying to angle my camera just right for jumping jacks.” But rather than being deterred, Kirkland saw the adversity as an opportunity to build flexibility and resilience. Those qualities would serve him well as he embarked on his journey at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), where he majored in computer science.
It wasn’t just his academic experience at UNC Charlotte that would shape his future. Kirkland’s passion for cybersecurity blossomed from his childhood desire to travel. “Growing up in a military family, I had the itch to see the world,” he said. “I figured the best way to do that was through technology. So, I decided to major in computer science, a field that could take me anywhere.”
This decision set him on a course toward becoming a Cyber Operations Officer — a role that eventually led him to the newly formed U.S. Space Force, the branch responsible for securing the nation’s interests in space.
“The Space Force caught my attention because it was something new, a blank slate,” Kirkland said. “I wanted to be one of the ‘OGs,’ to help shape what it meant to be a Space Force Guardian.”
And that’s exactly what he’s done. When the opportunity arose to apply for a position in the Space Force, Kirkland was all in.
As he explained, “The Space Force’s mission is critical — securing GPS, communications, air travel, space launches and so much more. Space technology impacts every part of our daily lives, and I wanted to be part of that.”
The competition for a role in the Space Force was fierce. At the time, only around 8,000 active-duty Guardians served in the Space Force, and the selection process was highly competitive. “In the spring of 2023, I applied, and only about 120 ROTC students nationwide were selected,” Kirkland said.
The process involved submitting academic records, physical fitness scores, and completing a rigorous digital interview. But it wasn’t just about what he knew — it was about who he was.
“The interview focused a lot on your character and your leadership potential,” he said. “They wanted to see if you had the drive, the passion for the mission and the ability to work with others.”
In September 2023, Kirkland received the life-changing news: He was selected to become a U.S. Space Force Cyber Operations Officer.
“It was a surreal moment, honestly,” he said. “I was just so grateful and excited for the opportunity.” But the journey didn’t end there.
Kirkland’s future is bright, and his training has already begun. After graduating in May 2024 and being officially commissioned into the Space Force, Kirkland will be participating in the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program at UNC Charlotte.
“It’s an accelerated master’s program that is fully funding my cybersecurity graduate degree,” he said. Kirkland was scheduled to graduate in December 2024. After graduation, he said he will report to a Colorado base for officer training.
The training will be rigorous and multifaceted, combining space operations, cyber operations, intelligence and acquisitions to prepare him for a variety of responsibilities, he said. “The goal is to be a well-rounded officer, someone who understands all aspects of the mission,” Kirkland explained.
“This role isn’t just about cybersecurity — it’s about ensuring our nation’s interests in space are protected, whether that’s secure communications or supporting space launches.”
Looking ahead, Kirkland said he’s eager to take on his new role. “I’m excited to be part of something so important and so new,” he said. “The Space Force has a small but mighty group of Guardians, and I can’t wait to contribute to the mission.”
Walter Kirkland Jr.’s story is one of perseverance, passion and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From a military upbringing to becoming a leader in one of the most cutting-edge branches of the U.S. military, his journey is inspiring. His advice to those looking to follow in his footsteps: “Always stay adaptable, keep pushing forward, and never underestimate the power of resilience,” he said. “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and succeed.”
“People usually say, ‘The sky’s the limit,’ but I prefer to tell them, ‘The sky’s not the limit,’ which especially applies to any dream or goal that you are desiring to accomplish.” Our motto is ‘Semper Supra,’ which is Latin for ‘Always Above!’”
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