Alum helps pave way for women in the Air Force

In a recent Aerotech News article that is part of a series recognizing the pioneering women of the Air Force, ASU alumnus Lt. Col. Jennifer Short, 358th Fighter Squadron commander, was recognized as one of nearly 20 female A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots Air Force-wide.

Short grew up in a military family. Her dad was a fighter pilot, and her brother went to the Air Force Academy when she was in high school. But she didn’t think about joining the Air Force straight out of high school because women weren’t allowed to be fighter pilots yet. Then, when Short was a senior at Arizona State University, the rule changed about females flying fighter aircraft in combat.

“I was in Phoenix at the time, and Luke AFB is there. Jeannie Flynn was one of the first female fighter pilots and she was flying the F-15E, and was on the local news,” Short said. “I remember seeing it and thought, ‘Wow she graduated from Stanford and had a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.’ So, I thought that because I was a marketing major, there was no way that I could be a pilot.”

After graduating from ASU, Short got a job as an assistant buyer for Dillard’s Department Stores.

“It was great, but I worked for a year and didn’t like it,” Short said. “I missed the Air Force I think.”

In November 1994, she applied for Officer Training School.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be able to be a pilot, but I applied anyways. I got a maintenance officer training slot and was very happy with that,” Short said.

Short said when she first started out as an A-10 pilot in 1999, it was a challenge for female fighter pilots. Fourteen years later she sees a difference.

When asked what she wants to be remembered for when she leaves the 358th FS Short laughed and said, “I don’t want to leave.”