Major Alec Rackish, a native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in December 2009 upon completion of Officer Candidate School (OCC-202). Following completion of The Basic School, Primary Flight Training at Vance AFB, and Advanced Strike Training with VT-9 at NAS Meridian, he earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in May 2013. He reported to VMAT-203 at MCAS Cherry Point where he completed AV-8B Harrier Replacement Pilot training in 2014.
In October 2014, Major Rackish reported to the “Tomcats” of VMA-311 at MCAS Yuma. While with the Tomcats he deployed twice: first to Japan and the Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and a second time to CENTCOM with the 11th MEU. During these deployments he served in various operations, maintenance, and administrative billets.
Major Rackish was selected on the FY18 Commandants Career Level Education Board and attended Expeditionary Warfare School in residence in July 2018. After graduation, Major Rackish served as an AV-8B Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor pilot with VMAT-203 from May 2019 to June 2021. During this time he earned Night Systems Instructor and Low Altitude Tactics Instructor qualifications from MAWTS-1.
Selected to attend US Air Force Test Pilot School Class 21B, Major Rackish graduated in June 2022 and reported to VX-31 at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, CA. During his tour, Major Rackish simultaneously served as the AV-8B Project Officer, Joint System Support Activity (JSSA) Military Deputy, and the VX-31 Operations Officer. While at VX-31, Major Rackish served as the developmental test pilot for the final updates to the AV-8B Harrier, ensuring future capabilities for the USMC, Spain, and Italy. Major Rackish also performed developmental test flights in the FA-18E/F and EA-18G in support of VX-31.
Major Rackish currently serves as the Chief Operational Test Director and Chief Test Pilot at VMX-1 in Yuma, AZ. He is responsible for the operational test and evaluation of all Marine Corps aviation platforms. Major Rackish has logged over 1,700 mishap-free flight hours in over 20 different type/model/series aircraft.
Major Rackish holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, a Masters of Science Degree in Flight Test Engineering from Air University, and a Masters of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering from Mississippi State University. He is DAWIA-Certified Foundational in Test & Evaluation. He is a graduate of Air Force Command and Staff College, USMC Expeditionary Warfare School, US Air Force Test Pilot School, and is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP).
Major Rackish’s personal decorations are a direct result and privilege of working with outstanding teams and organizations. These include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (second award), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award), and various campaign and unit awards. He also received the 2023 “NDIA Marine Corps Military Tester of the Year” award.