EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- From climbing antenna towers for the Air Force to serving as Cyber Crew Chief for the Space Force, TSgt. Tory Christian Martinez has forged a military career that highlights the unique opportunities available to those willing to embrace change. In addition to his technical contributions, Martinez is leaving a distinct mark on the service through a hidden talent: a commanding voice that can be heard as the narrator of Space Systems Command’s animated Space Threats video series.
Space Systems Command Public Affairs recently talked to Martinez about his unexpected voice-over role, the evolution of his career, and the mindset that helped him transform from an unmotivated student into a disciplined leader.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got to where you are within the Space Force.
A: I was actually an Airman initially. I joined the Air Force back in May of 2016 and ended up getting stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois after I completed my technical training for Cable and Antenna Maintenance. I eventually rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Once the news came around that all communications career fields within the Air Force were eligible to apply for the opportunity to join the Space Force, I launched myself—pun intended—full force through the application process. That involved writing an essay to my commander about why I wanted to join the Space Force. I found out that I was selected to join five months after that. I believe it was in December of 2020, during my shift inside of a data center over at Scott. I finished everything up with my paperwork and officially transferred in February of 2021. I eventually moved over to Vandenberg Space Force Base where I'm stationed now.
Q: You were selected for Space Force during the very earliest days of the service. What was that like?
A: A Senior Master Sergeant, who started with Air Force and transferred to Space Force, came into my work area and asked me about my application. I didn't know where it was in the process, but I was definitely curious! That was when he told me that I was selected and congratulated me. I was like, "Wow, no way." This was the first time that a new branch was about to be stood up since the Air Force. I thought that it was very exciting to be a founding member, to be a part of the legacy of the Space Force and take part in where it's going.
Q: Did you have to go through any more training or any kind of tech school or refresher?
A: Yes. In the Air Force, I worked in Cable and Antenna Maintenance -- climbing antenna towers, splicing cable within manholes. That would be considered Outside Plant (OSP). I also did a lot of Inside Plant (ISP) work with fiber optics and Cat 5, Cat 6 communications. Overall, a lot of work with physical infrastructure. That didn't necessarily translate into the overall vision of where cyber operations would be going for the Space Force, specifically, so I did have to go into additional training, leading into my current role right now. I recently completed my initial skills training for Cyber Space Operations in Colorado Springs. That started in January, and I just completed it back in June of 2025.
Q: Moving over to cyber operations sounds like a big pivot. Was it difficult to change gears?
A: The training was great. I learned quite a bit in terms of cyber offense and cyber defense. That plays into my current role as a Cyber Crew Chief working with the C-SpOC, which is the Combined Space Operations Center under Mission Delta 6, Detachment 3. In that role—I can't really get too into the weeds because of the classification of it—but in a nutshell, I perform cyber defense operations for the C-SpOC. That involves myself and members of my team working to protect the network from any potential threats within cyberspace that may arise.
Q: How does your Space Force experience compare to your Air Force experience?
A: Cable and Antenna Maintenance was amazing. Would I go back and do it again? Yes, if I could go back to being 20 years old. I'm 30 now and that changes the game a little bit. The overall role of Cable and Antenna Maintenance is very hard on your body. My hat goes off to the men and women who do that sort of job, who are in maintenance career fields for an extended period of time. The job that I perform now is more mental stress. There's a lot more that goes into it in terms of being able to think critically and to basically operate on a network like that. It's a different ball game. But it's excellent. Both avenues are excellent.
Q: Did you join the Air Force right out of high school?
A: I held several odd jobs before joining the military, but honestly, I didn't really grow up with parents who were very financially well off. After my father passed away in late 2012, I was kind of at a loss as to what to do in high school. I'm going to be honest with you, I did the bare minimum. That wasn't necessarily a reflection of my intelligence, but more so my overall motivation. I did track and field and made sure that I was passing my classes, but I felt like I needed to motivate myself in a different capacity. I genuinely felt like the military was that avenue to pursue, to really do that and to really put myself to the test and through the gauntlets. I had been interested in joining the military all through high school, but I was really unsure about what branch. Ultimately, I decided that the Air Force was that avenue for me.
Q: Would you recommend the military to others?
A: I would definitely recommend the military to anybody out there who is reading this, who is on the fence about joining the Air Force or any branch of the military, to go for it. Regardless of whatever you may believe politically, I think defending the Constitution of the United States and serving your country is very admirable, no matter how you do it in whatever capacity you as a person deem so.
Q: Let’s fast forward to your voice-over work on the Space Threats video series. How did that fall into your lap?
A: I was just checking my emails one day and saw an email that advertised being the "Voice of Space Systems Command." When I saw that, I read through the email and decided I just had to jump on this. It was an interesting opportunity because I'd been doing things here and there with my voice all throughout high school. After my voice changed going through puberty I started doing morning announcements at my high school and some school plays, but this wasn't anything like that. I saw this as an opportunity to use my voice for awareness. I didn't really have an overview of the project in its entirety until I was selected. But after I was selected and Mr. Russell Isler (PA Visual Effects/Animator at Space Systems Command) contacted me for it and told me all about the project, I was completely onboard. First, I was absolutely honored that I was selected. Isler said that he had combed through a couple hundred applicants that submitted voice clips—a preliminary audition tape for the role. He informed me that he selected me after hearing others speak for the role. I thought that was awesome. I was super honored for the opportunity. He heard me and said, "Hey, I need your voice. You have exactly what I'm looking for." I thought it was great.
Q: Have you seen the Space Threats videos? What do you think of them?
A: I did. I thought they were awesome. I didn't know what to expect in the very end, but I thought they turned out pretty great.
Q: So, what happens from here? Any big plans or are you taking one day at a time?
A: As of right now, I still feel like I have a lot to learn within this new career field of mine. But that's not really stopping me. I think no matter what career field you end up in, especially in the Space Force, there's always a lot to learn, a lot to pursue. I made Technical Sergeant recently, and with that comes additional responsibilities. I'm transitioning into more of a senior role—not quite a Master Sergeant E-7—but being selected for Technical Sergeant and putting the rank on so soon after being selected is a big opportunity and a big jump personally.
Q: It certainly sounds like your career path is on a fast track. What’s your key to success?
A: It's always one of those things where you hope you don't fail. But I believe in myself. I think that's the most important thing when it comes to putting on rank or accepting a new role in whatever position is instilled upon you. I think believing in yourself and having that ability to learn, adapt, and overcome is important overall for advancement within the military and for the leadership of your team and the individuals that look up to you every day. I'm going to give it my best shot. If my commander is reading this—and more than likely he will—I'm going to do my best.
Watch the Space Threats video series powerfully narrated by TSgt. Tory Martinez at https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Space-Threats.