CPT(P) Anthony Rifaat

CPT Anthony Rifaat is a native of Houston, Texas, and was commissioned as an infantry officer from the Baylor University Army ROTC program in 2015.

Following the initial infantry officer training pipeline at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPT Rifaat was assigned to 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, at Fort Irwin, California, in 2017. While at the National Training Center, CPT Rifaat served as an assistant squadron S-3, Alpha Company (Infantry) platoon leader and Delta Company (Armor) executive officer. In 2019, CPT Rifaat arrived back at Fort Benning, Georgia, to serve as an assistant battalion S-3, 3-47 Battalion, 198th Infantry Brigade, in support of Basic Combat Training (BCT) and later One Station Unit Training (OSUT). In late 2019, CPT Rifaat transferred to Functional Area 40, Space Operations. Following the Adjutant General Captain Career Course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in 2020, CPT Rifaat was assigned to the 1st Space Brigade at Fort Carson, Colorado. While there, he served as future operations assistant brigade S-3 for one year before deploying to U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) as a Space Control Planning Team (SCPT) OIC in support of Operation Inherent Resolve from 2021 to 2022. Upon return, CPT Rifaat served as a deputy SCPT OIC in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) until attending Advanced Civil Schooling in 2024. CPT Rifaat currently serves as a first-year instructor for Physics 201.

CPT Rifaat's military education includes Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, Adjutant General Captain Career Course, Airborne School, Bradley Leaders Course, Pathfinder School, Space Operations Officer Qualification Course, Army Space Control Fundamental Course and Army Space Control Planners Course.

He holds a bachelor's degree in astrophysics from Baylor University, a master's degree in astronautical engineering from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in aerospace engineering sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with "R" Device, Army Commendation Medal (second oak leaf cluster) and Army Achievement Medal (first oak leaf cluster).

CPT Rifaat is married to Stephanie Fink of Gainesville, Texas. They have two children, James and Peter.