JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Retired Lt. Col. Swami Iyer, former B-52 pilot, has been molded by a lifetime of love for aviation.
While the part of his journey where he takes to the skies has ended, the principles he gathered along the way have made him into the man he is today, a CEO, investor and philanthropist.
With a grandfather who pioneered engineering in India's air force and a father who excelled in aerospace engineering, aviation is an integral part of Swami's family heritage.
"I dreamt of becoming an astronaut, which propelled me toward a career as an Air Force pilot," recalled Iyer. "Becoming an officer was the key to realizing that dream."
Iyer was commissioned through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Michigan, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering. He received a pilot slot following graduation and attended pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where he would have first learned about Air Education and Training Command’s commitment to developing exceptional Airmen through education and training, laying the foundation for his career in the Air Force.
Upon graduation from pilot training, he was assigned to the B-52 Stratofortress. He excelled as a bomber pilot and was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
"As a test pilot, I spent years testing various aircraft, refining my skills, and gaining invaluable insights,” Iyer said. “Attending the esteemed test pilot school marked a significant milestone in my career."
A profound sense of purpose propelled Iyer’s journey from a student pilot to a seasoned leader. What drove him was not only the "what," but the deeper "why," and the significance of his career choice.
"During my tenure, there were only five Indian-American pilots — I was one of them," Iyer said. "This meant working harder for recognition and respect and establishing credibility. Although no overt discrimination occurred, achieving pilot awards was crucial in setting my pace and proving myself. Being seen as equal required extra effort to be recognized beyond being just another pilot."
The experience and skills Iyer gained as a test pilot were a stepping stone toward personal and leadership development, equipping him for the next chapter.
"In the Air Force, I was consistently confronted with scenarios requiring swift decision-making and effective leadership,” he said. “One particular moment that stands out is when I had to lead my team through a high-risk test mission, achieving our objectives while ensuring the safety of every individual involved.”
Prior to beginning his transition into the civilian sector, he worked in the international affairs office at the Pentagon.
"I transitioned directly from the military into a high-ranking vice president position at a major company, an unusual trajectory,” Iyer said. “Yet, being accepted as a military member in the civilian sector posed challenges. People often don't comprehend the value we bring."
He emphasized the skills he acquired in the military, especially in leadership and decision making.
"Air Force leadership training has been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership in the civilian sector,” he said. “The ability to adapt, make tough decisions, and inspire a team has been invaluable throughout my career.”
Reflecting on the wealth of experiences gathered over his successful career, Iyer’s advice to his younger self provides insight into the values he prioritizes with leadership.
"I advise my younger self to embrace every challenge and opportunity wholeheartedly, for it is in those moments that you truly grow as a leader,” said Iyer. “And remember, leadership is not about titles. It's about actions and the positive influence you can have on others."