Combat Aviation Advisor takes on Capitol Hill

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Monique Roux
  • 919th Special Operations Wing
A Duke Field Combat Aviation Advisor will soon exchange his multicam uniforms for a suit and tie and the opportunity to work with policy makers on Capitol Hill.

When he does so, Maj. Matthew Gorsuch’s challenges will shift from liaising with foreign contacts in geographic combatant commands, to liaising with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Gorsuch, assistant director of operations and chief of hiring for the 711th Special Operations Squadron here, earned this opportunity after being selected to participate in the highly competitive Capitol Hill Fellowship Program.

Through the program, members gain education and insight into how policy is made while providing first-hand knowledge to legislators on the unique experiences and needs of the military.

“This will be something completely new and different and will broaden my perspective and aperture as I move forward in my career,” said Gorsuch. “The ability to understand [the legislative] process and share that with our members who are at the tactical level will help us all to have a better perspective on the full spectrum [of Reserve operations] and understand the big picture.”

Gorsuch applied for the fellowship program through the Reserve Developmental Education Designation Board and was selected for the program in December. His coursework begins July 2017 followed by his Capitol Hill assignment.

Those chosen for this program complete six months of study in legislative affairs courses at Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute, followed by a year staff assignment for a congressional member, committee, or support agency.

The leadership of the 711th SOS felt Gorsuch had the skills and experience needed for this opportunity and fully supported his decision to apply for the fellowship program.

“Matt has a very strong operational background in special operations worldwide,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin Griffith, 711th SOS commander. “Within Air Force Special Operations Command, he has worked extensively with all branches of the military as well as various partner nations as both an Combat Talon II pilot and Combat Aviation Advisor. His ability to develop and grow relationships makes him the ideal candidate to represent the Air Force Reserve on Capitol Hill.”

The insight Gorsuch will gain into the legislative process will prove invaluable, according to Griffith.

“The fellowship is such a unique and competitive opportunity that Matt will be one of only a handful of officers within the Reserve Command who truly understands the policy side of the Department of Defense,” said Griffith. “As he progresses into more leadership roles, Matt will be able to leverage that knowledge and those relationships to the benefit of the Air Force Reserve as well as provide that knowledge to other reserve members.

The magnitude of the opportunity is not lost on Gorsuch.

“My biggest goal is to represent the 711th, the 919th SOW and Air Force Reserve Command as well as I can and be an asset to the office I am assigned,” said Gorsuch.

For others who wonder about participating in programs like this, Gorsuch has some keen advice.

“Throw your hat in the ring,” said Gorsuch. “Be willing to accept any challenge.”