A pair of Civil Air Patrol members are among the first 100 U.S. Air Force warrant officers appointed under the military branch’s re-established warrant officer program, marking a return to the rank after more than 65 years.
After participating in the Air Force’s Warrant Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Senior Master Sgt. Luke Bunge of the Michigan Wing now holds the Air Force rank of warrant officer 1, while Capt. Christopher Brun of the Hawaii Wing is a chief warrant officer 2.
Both bring deep technical expertise and operational leadership to their respective roles in Civil Air Patrol and the Air National Guard.
Bunge serves as the Michigan Wing’s director of information technology and the wing’s noncommissioned officer adviser. He has been a CAP member since December 2011.
He serves in the Michigan Air National Guard’s 272d Cyber Operations Squadron as a 17Y cyberspace effects warrant officer. His duties include developing tactics, techniques, and procedures for the squadron’s cyber protection team.
“It’s an honor to stand among the first 100 Air Force warrant officers and to share that journey with a fellow CAP member,” Bunge said. “This role allows me to stay deeply involved in the mission while bringing advanced technical leadership to both my military and volunteer service.”
Brun is information technology officer for the Maui Composite Squadron. He joined CAP in May 2008.
He serves as a 17W warrant officer with the 292d Combat Communications Squadron in the Hawaii Air National Guard, where he provides combat-ready cyber communications support to the Pacific region.
The Air Force reintroduced the warrant officer tier in 2024 to address the growing demand for highly technical leadership in specialized fields like cyber operations.
The first four classes of the new program have produced officers across active duty, Guard, and Reserve components.
The fourth graduating class, which included Bunge and Brun, consisted entirely of Air National Guard members._____1st Lt. Kirstie Marie BungePublic Affairs OfficerMichigan Wing
