NMSU’s first AFROTC cadet commissioned in U.S. Space Force

Ethan French ’25 has been spending time with his parents and visiting the monuments in Washington, D.C., since his December graduation from NMSU. He will begin his career as an officer in the U.S. Space Force in summer 2026.

French’s commissioning ceremony was a family affair with his father, U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Lance French ’95, swearing him in on stage. Brig. Gen. French also was a cadet in NMSU’s Air Force ROTC.

“It was really wonderful that I was able to have him do my oath,” Ethan French says. “I was so proud to be able to swear in as a second lieutenant while he is still on active duty. My dad graduated from NMSU, commissioning from this school in 1995. To be able to follow in his footsteps 30 years later really makes me think of Isaac Newton’s quote about standing on the shoulders of giants.”