A conversation with Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck '12, a flyer with the heart of a pilot, the soul of a golden age aviator, and an insatiable yearning to learn. Why? In part to support developing leaders of tomorrow.

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SUMMARY

Major Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12, shares his background and experiences in the Air Force and as a bomber pilot. He discusses his childhood, involvement in various activities, and his decision to join the military. Major Gluck also talks about his leadership roles at the Air Force Academy and the challenges he faced. He then delves into his experience flying B-52s and explains the difference between a pilot and an aviator. Finally, he clarifies the distinction between rated and non-rated officers. He discusses his involvement with the Order of Daedalians, a professional fellowship organization for military aviators. He also shares his experience transitioning to Harvard Business School and the Air Force Reserve and about the importance of leadership across different lanes. Julian reflects on what he has learned about himself and his future plans. He emphasizes the significance of giving back and volunteering, as well as the impact of the Air Force Academy and alumni involvement.

OUR FAVORITE QUOTES

"I would say the juxtaposition between the military lifestyle—which often is more regimented—and a desire to both give back and be creative. So these secondary and tertiary desires that I really wanted to have in my personal life and professional life to continue to self-actualize and feel comfortable were always at sort of a crossroads, but the Academy made that possible."

"I think there is a lot of strength in knowing that you do not know something. And through my time in business school, there is a lot that I think many of those who are coming from civilian careers—that more directly relate to business—would think is just information that everyone is armed with that is absent for many of us who were not as directly involved in running for-profit organizations or who weren't involved in sales, investment banking, or any of these other careers."

"I would say, I'm going to do a plug for the AOG: If there are things that you want your AOG to do, you are the person who can help facilitate that as well, just like I aim to, like many others. An alumni organization, a nonprofit, a charity is only as strong as its membership corps."

"I think overall down the road, as long as I'm making a positive impact in my circle and in my community, that's the most important thing to me. Like, I don't want to give up the uniform. I've loved serving in the Air Force, and I'll stay in the Air Force Reserve—hopefully as long as they'll keep me—and it would be great to have more opportunities to lead again."

"I would leave you with, if you have some time available, if there's money that you're seeking to donate, there is a cause that will resonate with you. Just go to the search engine of your choice, maybe it's Ask Jeeves … [or] go to Lycos—I think that was a search engine—in your Netscape Navigator. Go look up on AOL these interests, and you'll be able to find a charity that works for you.”

- Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12

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CHAPTERS

00:00 :  Introduction and Background

04:01 :  Childhood and Life Before the Academy

08:01 :  Leadership Roles at the Academy

14:53 :  Flying B-52s

19:50 :  Difference Between Rated and Non-Rated

21:30 :  The Order of Daedalians

26:14 :  Transitioning to Harvard Business School

30:06 :  Leadership Across Different Lanes

33:08 :  Learning About Oneself

37:15 :  Future Plans

40:10 :  Giving Back and Volunteering

42:37 :  The Air Force Academy and Alumni Involvement

TAKEAWAYS FOR YOU

- The Order of Daedalians is the professional fraternal order of military aviators and commemorates the service and valor of World War I pilots while providing fellowship for current and former flyers today.

- Programs like the Civil Air Patrol—the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force—provide another avenue for service members, veterans, and civilians to give back in meaningful ways.

- Transitioning from the military to civilian life can provide opportunities for strategic development and new ways to support organizations.

- Leadership takes different forms in various contexts, from leading in the military to leading in the classroom.

- Humility and the willingness to learn from others are important qualities for personal growth and effective leadership.

- Giving back and volunteering in various organizations can provide a sense of fulfillment and make a positive impact in the community.

- The Air Force Academy and alumni involvement play a significant role in shaping individuals and fostering a sense of pride and service.

MAJ. GLUCK'S BIO

Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck is a reservist in the Defense Innovation Unit in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He additionally serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Department of the Air Force Company Grade Officers’ Council, supporting the 47,000 captains and lieutenants of the Air & Space Forces.

Maj. Gluck grew up in LaGrange, Georgia and received his commission in 2012 as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. During his career he was selected as the 2018 Air Force Times Airman of the Year, received the 2019 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award, was named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30, and chosen as one of the 2023 Ten Outstanding Young Americans by JCI USA.

Prior to his current position, Maj. Gluck served on Air Combat Command staff; served as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of Seventh Air Force; led 64 aircrew flight equipment and SERE personnel; and was Executive Officer for the Department of Defense’s largest bomb group. He is an instructor pilot in the B-52H Stratofortress and is a graduate of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. Maj. Gluck flew combat missions in Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL out of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and has deployed in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

- Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster

- Air Medal

- Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

- Air Force Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters

- Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster

- German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold

PUBLICATIONS

“Opening the Door to Cultural Understanding and Mutual Cooperation,” Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, June 2021

“The Gray Legion: Information Warfare Within Our Gates,” Journal of Strategic Security, December 2021

“Kasa-obake: A Spirited Case against Abandoning the U.S.-Japan Nuclear Umbrella,” On the Horizon, May 2022

“South Korea’s Second Sight: Risks and Rewards for the ROK-US Alliance with Russia,” Issues & Insights, June 2023

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS

- British-American Project

- Center for a New American Security

- Council for the United States and Italy

- Order of Daedalians

- Pacific Forum

CONNECT WITH JULIAN

LINKEDIN  |  @JULIANRGLUCK ON INSTAGRAM

ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP

Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!

TRANSCRIPT

OUR SPEAKERS

Guest, Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12  |  Your Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99

Naviere Walkewicz 00:01

My guest today is Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck, USAFA Class of 2012 graduate of distinction based in Boston. He is currently serving in the Air Force Reserve in the Defense Innovation Unit and pursuing his MBA at the Harvard Business School. There is so much in Maj. Gluck's background that we’ll just touc