Robert Cowsert

Maj Robert Cowsert is the Gordian Knot Center's inagural Air Force Fellow for 2022-2023. Before coming to Stanford, Maj Cowsert was Assistant Director of Operations and F-35A Evaluator Pilot, 308th Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Maj Cowsert entered the Air Force in November 2009 as a Distinguished Graduate from the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Texas Christian University. He has served in an operational F-15E squadron where he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and as part of a Theater Security Package. Maj Cowsert completed a tour as an F-15E instructor and evaluator in Air Combat Command’s largest formal training unit where he trained over 170 aircrew for the combat air forces. Subsequently, he was selected to become an initial cadre F-35A instructor pilot, reactivating the fourth F-35A training unit in the world's largest Fighter Wing. Maj Cowsert has liaised between industry and the Air Force to implement operational updates for Air Force-wide F-35A operations. Prior to his current position, the major was the Chief of Standardization and Evaluations, 56th Operations Group, Luke AFB, Arizona. Maj Cowsert is a senior pilot with more than 1,500 flight hours including more than 100 combat hours.