Some people seem wired for challenge from the very beginning. For Austin Gillis, that drive has taken him from the skies in an F-16 to the deserts of Baja, connected by a shared thread of discipline, adventure, and community that mirrors the heart of Bronco Nation.
From the Bay Area to the Flight Line
Austin grew up in California’s Bay Area and left home at 18 to attend University of Colorado Boulder, where he pursued an architecture degree with a leadership minor while participating in Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation, he didn’t just walk away with a diploma, he earned a commission and a coveted pilot slot.
That path led him to Columbus Air Force Base, where he began flight training in the T-6 Texan. His performance quickly stood out, earning him a transition to the T-38 fighter companion trainer. From there, Austin achieved his top choice: the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
At just 22 years old, he arrived at Holloman Air Force Base to train on the F-16, becoming one of the youngest pilots in recent memory to do so. Still a second lieutenant at the time, Austin embraced what it meant to be the youngest in the room.
“I’m used to being the youngest guy anywhere I go,” he said. “Which isn’t always great, you get told to do everything, but it pushes you.”
After initial training, Austin spent four years in Fort Worth, Texas, flying with a reserve unit while on active duty, including a deployment to Saudi Arabia. In 2023, he returned to New Mexico, where he now serves as an instructor pilot, teaching the next generation how to fly the F-16.
Call Sign: Tube Man
Every fighter pilot earns a call sign, and Austin’s reflects both humor and humility.
“My call sign is Tube Man, like the wacky inflatable guy outside businesses,” he laughed. “Solely because that’s how I look in a flight suit.”
In fighter squadrons, pilots can go months without a name, known only by a number until they’re officially “named.” It’s another rite of passage Austin proudly carries.
Family First
Despite the high-speed nature of his career, Austin is grounded at home. He’s married with two kids, a five-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, plus a dog and a cat.
“Our goal was to have enough family to play UNO,” he joked.
Finding the Bronco Path
Austin’s automotive passion started early with Ford trucks. His dream vehicle was always a Raptor, but practicality led him elsewhere, first toward Jeeps he didn’t love, then to his dad’s pristine 2008 FJ Cruiser.
“It was the most unforgiving and impractical car I’ve ever owned,” he said. “I was afraid to scratch it, so I didn’t really use it the way it was meant to be used.”
While deployed, Ford announced the return of the Bronco, and everything clicked.
“When I saw the Wildtrak, it felt like the perfect combination of a Jeep and a Raptor,” Austin explained. “That’s exactly what I wanted.”
He ordered one, sold his FJ at peak pandemic pricing, and dove headfirst into Bronco forums and the Bronco Nation community. Before his Bronco was even built, Austin attended the Off-Roadeo in Austin after seeing photos on Bronco Nation.
“I hadn’t even seen a Bronco in person yet,” he said. “I couldn’t believe Ford would hand you one and teach you how to off-road. I knew I made the right decision.”
From Wildtrak to Raptor—Fast
Austin waited patiently for his Wildtrak, until the Bronco Raptor was announced.
After calling nearly 70 dealerships, he finally found one willing to sell at MSRP. In a twist of fate, his Bronco Raptor went into production almost immediately, before his Wildtrak had even been built.
“The Raptor showed up two weeks before my Wildtrak,” Austin said. “I drove the Wildtrak 11 miles and traded it in. I was so excited seeing my Bronco Raptor on the showroom floor, I wanted to cry.”
Three years later, he’s still firm in his conviction.
“You could not trade me any car in the world for my Ford Bronco Raptor.”
Pushing the Platform Forward
As one of the earliest Bronco Raptor owners in the Bronco Nation community, Austin quickly became involved in aftermarket development and R&D.
From interior lighting solutions to heavy modifications with Texas Motorworks, Armadillo Designs, Goose Tuned, and more, Austin frequently found himself running first-ever parts—providing real-world feedback to help brands refine their products.
“Good or bad, I often had the first aftermarket part,” he said. “I found it cool to meet people, give feedback, and help with testing.”
And he’s not done yet; fender upgrades are next.
A Vehicle That Changed a Life
Austin credits his Bronco with fundamentally reshaping his family’s lifestyle.
“This vehicle has resulted in seeing more of the country than I ever would have,” he said. “We find trails every weekend. Our family grew around adventure and exploration because of this car.”
His first time truly off-roading the Raptor came at Super Celebration West, where he quickly found himself surrounded by new friends, including RJ Zanon, Chris Fields, Scott Weisman, and many others.
“I showed up alone,” Austin recalled. “Within minutes, I had a group of people to ride with who are now some of my greatest friends.” In fact, that’s where Brian and I met him, out on the trail. Brian rode down the mountain with him and at the bottom, they were friends.
Baja and the Ultimate Test
That sense of community reached its peak during an unforgettable experience at the SCORE Baja 1000, where Austin joined RJ Zanon during RJ’s now-legendary run.
Originally slated as an alternate driver or navigator, Austin ended up navigating during the final push—after minimal prep, extreme fatigue, terrible weather, failing equipment, and relentless terrain.
“My job was keeping RJ awake, reading terrain, and managing pace,” Austin said. “Flying F-16s helped, screen management, decision-making under pressure, it all translated.”
With no headlights, rain-soaked gear, fog, mud, and exhaustion pushing both men to their limits, they pressed on.
“I can’t believe we made the last 80 miles,” Austin said. “The Bronco proved itself more than any vehicle I’ve ever been in. Rolling up to the finish line was the greatest accomplishment of our lives.”
What’s Next?
Austin hopes to continue supporting RJ’s racing efforts when his demanding schedule allows.
“I’m 100% in with whatever I can do,” he said. “If I can help build the team and be there, I want to be.”
Why Bronco Nation Matters
When asked what his favorite part of Bronco ownership is, Austin didn’t hesitate.
“It’s the people,” he said. “The community is shockingly supportive. You show up not knowing anyone, and you’ll leave with friends. That’s because of the Bronco; it brings out the best people.”
And in Austin Gillis, that spirit is alive and well, on the trail, at the events, and everywhere adventure calls.
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