President Donald Trump has formally nominated 20 Air Force brigadier generals for promotion to the rank of major general, a two-star designation, according to a Pentagon announcement issued on June 22. These nominations include officers leading critical areas such as military recruiting efforts, intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) acquisition, and advanced combat training.
Upon confirmation by the Senate, these generals will assume their new rank while continuing to serve in their current assignments, ensuring continuity in key Air Force and Space Force operations.
Among the notable nominees is Brig. Gen. Jeffrey W. Nelson, who currently heads the Air Force Accessions Center. In this pivotal role, Brig. Gen. Nelson is responsible for overseeing all recruitment initiatives for both the Air Force and the Space Force. He assumed this command in the summer of 2025, inheriting a period of significant recruitment momentum. Under his leadership, the Accessions Center has sustained and extended this positive trend, notably achieving its target of 32,000 Active-Duty enlisted recruits for fiscal year 2026 a full five months ahead of schedule, as announced in April. This achievement marks the largest intake of new Airmen into the service in over two decades, a critical success given ongoing challenges in military recruitment across all branches.
Brig. Gen. William S. Rogers has also been nominated for a second star. Brig. Gen. Rogers serves as the program executive officer for intercontinental ballistic missiles at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. His responsibilities encompass both the sustainment of the aging Minuteman III ICBM system, which forms a vital leg of the United States’ nuclear triad, and the intensive development of its successor, the Sentinel ICBM. The Sentinel program represents an undertaking of immense scale and complexity, frequently cited by defense officials as one of the most ambitious projects in Air Force history. In his role, Brig. Gen. Rogers collaborates closely with Gen. Dale R. White, who serves as the direct reporting program manager for the Air Force’s most critical major weapon systems.
Brig. Gen. Rogers stepped into his current position in August 2024, shortly after the Sentinel program underwent a comprehensive review process triggered by substantial cost overruns and schedule delays. Since then, officials have reported discernible progress on the program. Key milestones include the groundbreaking ceremony for a prototype launch silo in March and an adjusted timeline that anticipates the first test launch of the Sentinel missile in 2027. This modernization effort is crucial for maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.
Another nominee for promotion is Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson, who commands the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center. This center is the Air Force’s premier institution for high-end training, testing, and evaluation of combat capabilities. It encompasses five wings, comprising more than 13,000 personnel, and oversees the vast Nevada Testing and Training Range. The center is also the host for the annual Red Flag exercises, which are considered the Air Force’s paramount combat training events, simulating complex aerial warfare scenarios to enhance pilot readiness and tactical proficiency.
The Warfare Center also houses the Experimental Operations Unit, an entity at the forefront of developing innovative tactics, techniques, and procedures for human pilots to effectively control semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs). As previously reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine, this initiative is central to the Air Force’s vision for future air combat, integrating human decision-making with advanced artificial intelligence and uncrewed platforms.
The collective group of Brig. Gens. Nelson, Rogers, Epperson, and the 17 other nominees constitutes approximately one-twelfth of the total population of Air Force general officers. A spokesperson for the service confirmed that there are currently 249 general officers in the Air Force, distributed as follows: 167 in Air Force-specific assignments, 64 in joint military billets, and 18 brigadier general selects awaiting confirmation.
- Brig. Gen. Peter M. Bonetti: Director, Strategic Plans, Programs and Requirements, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
- Brig. Gen. Jon A. Eberlan: Director, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
- Brig. Gen. David C. Epperson: Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Air Combat Command, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.
- Brig. Gen. Lance R. French: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Jesse J. Friedel: Commander, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
- Brig. Gen. Richard A. Goodman: Director, Operations, J-3, Headquarters U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
- Brig. Gen. Steven M. Gorski: Director, Intelligence and Information, J-2, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.
- Brig. Gen. Mary K. Haddad: Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Glenn T. Harris: Director, Operations, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
- Brig. Gen. Frank R. Kincaid: Mobilization Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analysis, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Brian S. Laidlaw: Director, Operations, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.
- Brig. Gen. Jason E. Lindsey: Director, Strategic Plans, Programs, Requirements and Analyses, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
- Brig. Gen. William A. Matney: Special Assistant to the Chief of Air Force Reserve, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Jeffrey W. Nelson: Commander, Air Force Accessions Center and Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
- Brig. Gen. Kenneth J. Ostrat: Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
- Brig. Gen. Nathan L. Owendoff: Deputy Director, Global Integration, J-5, Joint Staff, Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Max E. Pearson: Deputy Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
- Brig. Gen. Mark D. Richey: Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo.
- Brig. Gen. William S. Rogers: Program Executive Officer, Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
- Brig. Gen. Travolis A. Simmons: Special Assistant to the Commander, Air Education and Training Command, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.
- Brig. Gen. Stephen P. Snelson: Deputy Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
The nomination of 20 brigadier generals for a second star in a single announcement represents one of the largest batches of potential major generals put forth by the Air Force in recent memory. For comparison, the largest group of such nominations in 2025 totaled six, while 2024 saw a maximum of 18 nominations at one time. This substantial group underscores a strategic effort to bolster leadership across critical command functions.
The process for promoting general officers begins with the individual military services selecting their preferred candidates. These selections are then compiled into a recommendation package by the Secretary of Defense, which is subsequently reviewed and approved by the President before being formally submitted to the Senate for confirmation. The Senate’s role involves a thorough review of each nominee’s qualifications and record before a vote, a crucial step in ensuring accountability and civilian oversight of the military leadership.
Why This Matters
The promotion of 20 brigadier generals to major general is a significant event with far-reaching implications for U.S. national security, defense policy, and military readiness. These nominations are not merely administrative changes but reflect the strategic direction and priorities of the Air Force and the broader Department of Defense.
Sustaining Leadership and Strategic Priorities: The individuals nominated are positioned in key roles critical to the Air Force’s ongoing operations and future capabilities. Promoting leaders in recruiting, nuclear modernization, and advanced training ensures continuity and strengthens leadership in areas vital for maintaining a modern, capable fighting force. Their elevation to major general signifies an endorsement of their past performance and confidence in their ability to guide complex, high-stakes initiatives.
Bolstering National Security: The oversight of the Sentinel ICBM program, as managed by Brig. Gen. Rogers, is fundamental to the credibility of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Successful modernization of this strategic asset is paramount for global stability and projecting strength in an evolving geopolitical landscape. Similarly, the work of Brig. Gen. Epperson at the Warfare Center directly impacts the readiness and technological superiority of Air Force pilots and systems, which is essential for projecting power and defending national interests worldwide.
Addressing Personnel Challenges: Brig. Gen. Nelson’s success in meeting and exceeding recruitment goals is particularly noteworthy given the persistent challenges faced by all branches of the U.S. military in attracting new personnel. A strong and consistent intake of recruits is the bedrock of military readiness, ensuring that the Air Force and Space Force have the skilled individuals needed to operate advanced platforms and execute their diverse missions. This achievement is a positive indicator for future force generation.
Driving Modernization and Innovation: The roles of these generals are deeply intertwined with the Air Force’s efforts to modernize its fleet, develop cutting-edge technologies, and adapt to new threats. Initiatives such as the Sentinel ICBM, with its inherent cost and schedule complexities, and the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) at the Warfare Center, represent the future of airpower. The leadership of these officers is crucial for navigating technological challenges, managing massive defense contracts, and integrating advanced capabilities into operational doctrine. Their promotions signal a commitment to these transformative programs.
Congressional Oversight: The Senate’s confirmation process for these general officer nominations provides a critical layer of civilian oversight over the military. It allows for public scrutiny of nominees’ qualifications, records, and strategic vision, reinforcing the principle of democratic control over the armed forces.
U.S. Senate Confirms 238 Air Force General Officer Promotions, Bolstering Key Commands
WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Senate has confirmed a significant slate of Air Force general officer promotions, with 238 nominations receiving approval on June 20. This substantial action fills critical leadership roles across various commands, from strategic global operations to crucial regional assignments, and marks a crucial step in ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the nation’s air power. These confirmations, coming just days after separate approvals for other senior Air Force leaders, underscore the Senate’s ongoing role in shaping the military’s top echelons and reinforcing U.S. defense capabilities worldwide.
The recent approvals encompass a broad spectrum of ranks, reflecting the intricate career progression within the armed forces. Such large-scale confirmations are vital for maintaining the hierarchical structure, expertise, and operational readiness necessary for the Air Force to meet its diverse global commitments. They ensure that experienced leaders are in place to guide strategy, manage resources, and oversee personnel development in an increasingly complex international security landscape, particularly as geopolitical challenges continue to evolve.
Extensive Promotions Across General Officer Ranks
The batch of 238 general officer nominations confirmed on June 20 represents a comprehensive overhaul of key leadership positions within the Air Force. According to Senate records, these approvals include a substantial number of senior leaders, with 27 officers effectively promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General (three-star general), with 10 additional nominations for this rank still awaiting confirmation. This significant number of top-tier promotions ensures robust leadership for major commands and strategic initiatives.
Furthermore, 33 Major Generals (two-star general) were approved for promotion, with 13 further nominations still under consideration. The largest group of confirmations was for Brigadier Generals (one-star general), with 102 officers receiving Senate approval, while 34 more await a decision. Finally, 18 Brigadier General selects were confirmed, indicating a robust pipeline of future leadership as they prepare to pin on their first general officer star. This widespread confirmation process ensures a steady influx of experienced and qualified individuals into critical command and staff positions, maintaining the operational readiness and strategic capabilities of the U.S. Air Force at a time of heightened global demands.
| Rank | Confirmed | Pending |
| Lieutenant General | 27 | 10 |
| Major General | 33 | 13 |
| Brigadier General | 102 | 34 |
| Brigadier General selects | 18 | 0 |
Key Leadership Appointments Prior to Latest Confirmations
These recent, extensive nominations follow closely on the heels of other critical Air Force leadership confirmations by the Senate on June 18. Among these earlier approvals, Lt. Gen. Daniel H. Tulley was confirmed to lead Air Mobility Command (AMC), a pivotal role overseeing global air mobility operations. AMC is responsible for providing rapid global mobility and sustainment for America’s armed forces, including airlift, air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. His continued service at his current rank in this new capacity highlights the importance of experienced leadership in maintaining the logistical backbone of U.S. military operations worldwide, supporting humanitarian relief and combat missions alike.
Concurrently, Maj. Gen. David G. Shoemaker received confirmation for promotion to a three-star rank (Lieutenant General) and will assume leadership of the 7th Air Force, while also serving as deputy at U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). This dual role places him at the forefront of air operations and allied defense strategies in a critical Indo-Pacific theater. The 7th Air Force is the primary Air Force component command of USFK and is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping air forces to support the Republic of Korea, directly impacting regional stability and deterrence efforts against potential adversaries.
Pending High-Profile Nominations
Despite the significant number of recent confirmations, several other crucial Air Force nominations are still awaiting Senate approval, underscoring the ongoing process of leadership transitions and the meticulous nature of high-level military appointments. One prominent nomination is Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, who was put forward concurrently with Tulley and Shoemaker. Moga, currently the commander of 3rd Air Force within U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), is slated to become the next superintendent of the Air Force Academy, a role vital for shaping the next generation of Air Force officers through academic and military training, and would also be promoted to Lieutenant General upon confirmation.
Six additional officers were nominated for three-star jobs on June 4 and have yet to be confirmed. These include:
- Lt. Gen. David R. Iverson: Nominated as the deputy commander of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), a command central to U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. PACAF oversees air operations across a vast and strategically important area, coordinating with allies and partners to maintain regional security and stability.
- Maj. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica: Proposed as commander of Air Forces Central (9th Air Force) and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). This position is crucial for directing air operations across the Middle East and Central Asia, supporting various U.S. objectives in volatile regions, including counter-terrorism and regional deterrence.
- Maj. Gen. Paul R. Fast: Nominated to serve as the chief of Air Force Reserve and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. This is a critical role in ensuring the readiness, training, and integration of approximately 70,000 Air Force Reservists and their civilian support staff into active duty operations, providing essential capabilities and personnel to the total force.
- Maj. Gen. Larry R. Broadwell Jr.: Slated to become the deputy commander of Air Combat Command (ACC), which is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping combat-ready air forces for rapid deployment and employment. ACC is a primary force provider to other commands, delivering air superiority and global strike capabilities.
- Maj. Gen. David J. Sanford: Nominated as the director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a joint combat support agency that provides worldwide logistics support to the military services, ensuring the efficient flow of supplies, equipment, and fuel to U.S. and allied forces globally.
- Brig. Gen. Jason D. Voorheis: Proposed as the commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), responsible for managing the entire life cycle of Air Force weapon systems. This includes research and development, acquisition, sustainment, and retirement, ensuring technological superiority and cost-effectiveness for the Air Force’s arsenal.
The Senate’s process for vetting and confirming these high-level military appointments involves thorough scrutiny, often including hearings and detailed background checks, reflecting the immense responsibility associated with these positions. The timely approval of these nominations is essential for maintaining leadership stability and operational effectiveness across the various branches and commands of the U.S. Air Force, thereby directly impacting national and international security postures.
Why This Matters
The confirmation of 238 Air Force general officers, alongside other pivotal leadership appointments and a slate of pending nominations, carries profound implications for U.S. national security, global stability, and the operational readiness of its armed forces. These leadership changes are not merely administrative shifts; they represent the strategic recalibration and reinforcement of American military power at a critical juncture in international relations, where geopolitical tensions and technological advancements demand agile and experienced leadership.
Ensuring National Security and Global Reach: Senior military leaders are the architects of defense strategy and the executors of foreign policy objectives. Placing experienced and vetted individuals in command of critical entities like Air Mobility Command, Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Forces Korea directly impacts the nation’s ability to project power, respond to crises, and maintain alliances across vital geopolitical theaters. Commands like Air Mobility are the lifeblood of global military operations, enabling rapid deployment and sustainment of forces, humanitarian aid, and critical supplies. Commands in the Indo-Pacific (such as 7th Air Force and Pacific Air Forces) are central to countering rising challenges from state actors and maintaining a free and open international order, while the Defense Logistics Agency is crucial for the very functioning of military operations worldwide, ensuring troops have what they need, when they need it.
Maintaining Military Effectiveness and Readiness: These promotions ensure continuity of leadership and inject new perspectives and expertise into the Air Force’s top echelons. A robust and well-managed leadership pipeline is essential for maintaining high morale, fostering innovation in tactics and technology, and ensuring that the force remains adaptable and effective against evolving threats, from cyber warfare to conventional conflicts. From developing future officers at the Air Force Academy to managing the life cycle of advanced weapon systems at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, these leaders are instrumental in shaping a modern, combat-ready Air Force capable of deterring aggression and successfully engaging in conflicts when necessary.
Strategic Geopolitical Impact: Many of the commands involved have direct relevance to specific global hotspots and areas of strategic competition. Leadership for U.S. Forces Korea and Pacific Air Forces is paramount for deterring aggression on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader Indo-Pacific, a region marked by increasing geopolitical competition. Similarly, the commander of Air Forces Central is critical for stability operations and counter-terrorism efforts across the Middle East, a region frequently afflicted by conflict and instability. The selection of these leaders sends clear signals to allies and adversaries alike about U.S. commitments and strategic priorities in these regions, reinforcing partnerships and demonstrating resolve.
Civilian Oversight and Democratic Principles: The Senate’s role in confirming military officers is a fundamental aspect of civilian control over the armed forces, a principle deeply enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. This process provides an essential check and balance, ensuring that military leadership aligns with national values and policy goals, and that those entrusted with immense power are accountable to the democratic process. The thorough vetting involved ensures transparency and public confidence in the integrity of military leadership, which is vital for maintaining public trust in the armed forces.
In essence, these confirmations are more than just rank advancements; they are foundational to the operational strength, strategic direction, and global posture of the United States Air Force, directly influencing its capacity to safeguard national interests, support international alliances, and contribute to global peace and security in an increasingly volatile world.