Dean of Education

The Dean of Education at the ACSC Resident Program (ACSC-R) is assisted by the Associate Dean of Education (Policy-Strategy) and the Associate Dean of Education (Operations). Together, they help run the day-to-day educational operations of ACSR-R, as well as planning for curriculum integration, accreditation, faculty management and development, and coordination with Air University and other external DoD and civilian agencies.

Dr. James Wood Forsyth, Jr., Colonel, USAF (Retired)

Dr. James Forsyth is the ACSC Resident Dean of Education (DE).  A retired USAF Colonel, he recieved his Ph.D. in International Studies at the University of Denver.  As the ACSC-R Program Manager, Dr. Forsyth is the is the principal advisor to the ACSC Commandant on all aspects of JPME. He provides leadership and strategic guidance to the ACSC-R faculty and ensures accomplishment of the JPME mission. This mission includes execution of all joint professional military education (JPME-I) curriculum requirements to include development of course materials, academic presentations, and standards for implementation, operation, and administration of ACSC-R. Further, Dr. Forsyth ensures ACSC-R complies with external inputs from the SECAF, the CSAF, the Air Staff, Air Force Major Commands, CJCS.  Vitae

Dr. John G. Terino, Lt Col, USAF (Retired)  

Dr. John Terino is the Associate Dean for Policy and Strategy.  At ACSC, he teaches courses on Leadership and Warfare, Airpower, the Practice of Command, Joint Warfare Planning, Joint Air Planning, and an elective on the Air Force in Fact, Fiction, and Film. Prior to teaching at ACSC, he was a professor at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS).  While at SAASS, he directed the school’s course on Technology and Military Innovation, courses on Airpower History, and the institution’s wargaming activities.  Before coming to Air University, he taught for four years at the Air Force Academy in the Department of History. He retired from the Air Force in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel in 2008 after serving for almost 23 years.  He received his Ph.D. in the History and Sociology of Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 2001. In his spare time, John enjoys officiating cross country and track and field, reading, and attending the cinema.

Research Interest/Expertise: Airpower, USAF History, History of Technology, Military History.

Lt Col Bradley J. Pogue  

Lt Col Bradley J. Pogue is Associate Dean of Education Operations at the Air Command and Staff College. Within ACSC he previously served as an Instructor and as the Department of Joint Warfighting’s Director of Staff. Lt Col Pogue is an Air Force Space Operations Officer with previous experience in the Air Force Personnel career field. His space operations experience is in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and satellite command and control. Prior to his arrival at ACSC, he was the Director of Operations for National Reconnaissance Office’s Space Operations Squadron located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was commissioned in 2004 after receiving his B.A. in History from Berry College, and he subsequently earned a M.A. in Government/International Politics from Regent University in 2009. Lt Col Pogue is an ACSC in-residence graduate, where he earned a Master of Military Operational Art and Science in 2016.  

Department of Airpower

The Department of Airpower is made up of civilian and military faculty from across the joint force and includes officers from our nation’s allies. Faculty in DEA are responsible for teaching, research, and service. The department develops and delivers two of the core courses: Airpower I and Airpower II. The first course, AP 1 examines the struggle to determine the nature of airpower and its functions from World War One to the end of the Vietnam War, and includes an analysis of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. The second course, AP 2, examines the development of airpower from 1975 to the present and into the near future, including air, space, and cyber power.

Dr. S. Mike Pavelec

Dr. S. Mike Pavelec is a Professor of Airpower History and Chair of the Department of Airpower at the Air Command and Staff College. He has extensive teaching experience within JPME, including Naval War College, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), and the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (NDU). He earned his Ph.D. at The Ohio State University in 2004, and teaches the Airpower I, II, and War Theory core courses. He also offers electives on World War I in the Air and The Evolution of Airpower Technology and Theory. A prolific researcher and writer, he has five books in print and another under contract. His most recent book is Airpower Over Gallipoli, 1915-1916, (Naval Institute Press, 2020), in addition to journal articles and book chapters on airpower history and theory, space, and cyber. He can be seen on National Geographic’s TV show Nazi Megastructures and the Science Channel’s What on Earth?

Research Interest/Expertise:  Airpower, Space, Cyber, Technology, Theory, Strategy, and the Philosophy of War.

Allen G. Peck, Lt Gen, USAF (Retired)

Allen G. Peck, Lt Gen, USAF (Retired) is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies at the Air Command & Staff College’s Department of Airpower. Prior to joining the ACSC faculty, Dr. Peck served as director of the Air Force Research Institute. During his 36 years on active duty, Dr. Peck commanded an air operations group in Germany, an air expeditionary wing in Saudi Arabia, the Air and Space Expeditionary Force Center at Langley AFB, the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, and the Air University at Maxwell AFB. He was a key planner for NATO’s Kosovo operation and later served as Deputy Combined Force Air Component Commander at Al Udeid Airbase, Qatar. As an aviator Dr. Peck was qualified as aircraft commander and instructor in the air-to-air and air-to-ground variants of the F-15. He holds a BS in Mathematics from the US Air Force Academy, an MS in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology, an MA in International Relations from Salve Regina College, and a Ph.D. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Lt Col Brian Foley

is a second-year resident SDE student and the Deputy Chair of the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College. A career Mobility and Trainer pilot, he has worked at the squadron, group, wing, NAF and Air Staff levels with extensive time in strategic airlift as a C-5A/B/C Instructor Pilot and in Undergraduate Pilot Training as a T-6A Instructor and Evaluator Pilot. Additionally, he has served as Senior Duty Officer for both Wing and Air Force-level Command Posts, been an Air Force Chief of Staff Operations briefer, and a HAF Operations Division Chief. He has deployed to HQ USAFCENT as a Global Force Management planner, and Al Udeid AB, Qatar as a Wing plans officers. Prior to his tenure at Air Command and Staff College, he was the Commander of the 85th Flying Training Squadron, Laughlin AFB, TX. He was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Command and Staff College in 2014. Additionally, he is a 2002 graduate of the US Air Force Academy (B.S., Mechanical Engineering), and received a Master's in Business Administration in 2010.

Lt Col Steven M. Niewiarowski

Lt Col Steven M. Niewiarowski is the Director of Staff for the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College.  A Mobility and RPA pilot, he has worked at the squadron, group, wing, and MAJCOM levels with extensive time in strategic airlift as a C-17 Instructor Pilot and in Air Combat Command (ACC) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) as an MQ-1 and MQ-9 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot.  Additionally, he served as the RPA branch chief in the AFSOC Directorate of Operations, providing worldwide Special Operations RPA capabilities to supported Combatant Commands.  Lt Col Niewiarowski has deployed multiple times for staff and operational duties in CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, AFRICOM, and EUCOM.  Prior to his tenure at Air University, he was the Commander of the ACC Training Support Squadron, Langley AFB VA.  Lt Col Niewiarowski was a graduate of the Air War College in 2020, received a Master of Arts, with Honors, in International Relations from American Military University 2011, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of San Francisco in 2000.  His academic interests include international relations, comparative politics, security studies, military innovations, the space domain, and South Asian studies.

Dr. Jordan R. Hayworth

Dr. Jordan R. Hayworth is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Airpower at the Air Command and Staff College. He teaches the Airpower I and Airpower II courses for the Department of Airpower and is the Course Director for Airpower I. Hayworth received his B.A. in History from High Point University in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in European History from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, where he studied under Dr. Michael V. Leggiere as a Student Fellow of the Military History Center. Dr. Hayworth's article, "Evolution or Revolution on the Battlefield? The Sambre and Meuse Army in 1794," was published by War in History in 2014. He recently authored a book chapter on the French Way of War for an edited volume on Napoleon and the Operational Art of War published by Brill. His doctoral dissertation won the 2016 Edward M. Coffman First Manuscript Prize through the Society for Military History. His first book, Revolutionary France’s War on Conquest in the Rhineland: Conquering the Natural Frontier, 1792-1797 was published by Cambridge University Press in spring 2019. Currently, he is writing a new history of the 1794 Campaign during the French Revolutionary Wars. 

Research Interest/Expertise: Early Modern and Modern Military History, French History, Modern European History, Political and Diplomatic History.

Dr. Terry Beckenbaugh

Dr. Terry Beckenbaugh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Air Power at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) at Maxwell Air Force Base. He came to ACSC from the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he taught for nine years in the Department of Military History. Dr. Beckenbaugh received his PhD in 19th Century US History from the University of Arkansas, and his Masters and Bachelors in US History and History, respectively, from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Beckenbaugh has taught at a variety of undergraduate and graduate civilian institutions. He is currently working on a book on the White River Campaign in Arkansas in the spring-summer of 1862, and has numerous publications and conference presentations.

Major Robert P. Damron

Major Robert P. Damron is an Air University Fellow and Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Prior to ACSC, Maj Damron was an E/RQ-4 Evaluator Pilot and Group Director of Staff at Grand Forks AFB, ND. Maj Damron entered active duty in 2008 after receiving a BA in Business Administration with a focus in Management from the University of Kentucky. After graduating from Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, he was a Distinguished Graduate from KC-135 Pilot Initial Qualification Training. He flew KC-135R/T tankers at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, where he deployed in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom, and to Curacao supporting counterdrug operations for Joint Interagency Task Force-South. Maj Damron transitioned to the RQ-4 program at Grand Forks AFB in 2014 and was a Distinguished Graduate from RQ-4 Pilot Initial Qualification Training. During his time at Grand Forks AFB, he served in a variety of positions, including Training Flight Commander and Chief of Weapons and Tactics, while flying in support of Operations Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve. Major Damron is a Senior Pilot with over 1,900 flight hours, holds an MS in Project Management from Trident University International as well as an MS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University.

Dr. Edwin H. Redman, Colonel, USAF (Retired)

Dr. Edwin H. Redman, Colonel, USAF (Retired), is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  Dr. Redman is a Command Pilot with tours in each of the Air Force’s bomber aircraft. He served as an instructor pilot in the T-38, B-1 and B-2, and flew combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 in the B-2. He is a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, ACSC, and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Following SAASS, Dr. Redman attended Duke University, where he received his PhD in History. His last operational assignment was Deputy Commander, 509th Operations Group, Whiteman Air Force Base. He completed his active-duty service at Air University, holding several positions, including Director of Warfighting Education at the LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, and Director of the Grand Strategy Seminar, Air War College. He retired from the active-duty Air Force in 2014, and joined Air University as a civilian professor in 2015.

Research Interest/Expertise: Cold War History, Nuclear Deterrence, Civil-Military Relations, and US National Security

Major Katherine E. Harmon

Major Katherine E. Harmon is an Air University Fellow and Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Maj Harmon graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Maj Harmon received her commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2008. She is an aircraft maintenance officer with experience in ACC, AFOTEC, and AMC on multiple of aircraft and in a variety of leadership positions. Prior to ACSC, Maj Harmon was the Operations Officer of the 440th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron in Kabul, Afghanistan advising the Kabul Wing Afghan Maintenance Group. She has deployed four times in support of Operations Deep Freeze, Enduring Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, and Resolute Support. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Humanities from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Business Administration in International Relations from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Science in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Universit

Dr. Sebastian H. Lukasik 

Dr. Sebastian H. Lukasik is an Associate Professor of Comparative Military Studies in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command Staff College (ACSC). He received a PhD in American History from Duke University. He has served as Course Director for the Leadership and Warfare course and the Airpower I course. Prior to arriving at ACSC, he taught as a visiting instructor at Duke University and North Carolina State University. In addition to teaching courses in the ACSC core curriculum, he offers elective classes on Combat Motivation and Morale in Historical Perspective, Cultural History of Flight, and war and society in the era of the World Wars.

Research Interest/Expertise: Military Culture; Combat Motivation and Morale in modern Warfare; the First World War; Cultural History of Flight; Grand Strategy and Strategic Culture

Dr. Heather P. Venable

Dr. Heather P. Venable is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College. She currently teaches Airpower One and Airpower Two and an elective on the historical experience of combat. She also has co-taught an elective on Close Air Support and has served as the Airpower Two course director. She previously was an Instructor for the Air Command and Staff College’s eSchool of Graduate Professional Military Education where she oversaw the writing of proposals and master’s theses and taught Applied Warfare Studies courses at the Joint Professional Military Education I level. As a visiting professor at the US Naval Academy, she taught naval and Marine Corps history. She graduated with a B.A. in History from Texas A&M University and a M.A. in American History from the University of Hawai’i. She received her PhD in military history from Duke University. She also has attended the Space Operations Course as well as the Joint Firepower Course. Her forthcoming book from Naval Institute Press is entitled How the Few Became the Proud: The Making of the Marine Corps’ Mythos, 1974-1918. Previous work to be published includes “‘There’s Nothing that a Marine Can’t Do’: Publicity and the Marine Corps, 1905-1917” in New Interpretations in Naval History: Selected Papers from the Sixteenth Naval History Symposium and “The China Marines and the Crucible of the Warrior Mythos, 1900-1941” in Crucibles: Selected Readings in U.S. Marine Corps History. She has also contributed articles about airpower and the current Air Force to several online publications, including War on the Rocks.

Research Interest/Expertise: Her research interests include intersections between strategy and military culture, airpower theory and history, combat motivation, and creativity.

Dr. Michael E. Weaver 

Dr. Michael E. Weaver, is an Associate Professor of History in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College.  He specializes in the history of war and warfare and is the author of Guard Wars: The 28th Infantry Division in World War II (Indiana University Press, 2010), as well as six articles. His most recent have been published in The Journal of Aeronautical History and Diplomatic History. Weaver’s second book, National Policy and Air Power Effectiveness during the Vietnam War, is under review for publication. Weaver’s skills include leading small group discussions, academic lecturing, research, and writing. His book reviews have appeared in The Journal of Military History, and H-War, among others. Prof. Weaver has taught courses on U.S. history, war & society, American military history, the Vietnam War, World War II, African-American history, international security, and air power. He received his doctorate from Temple University in 2002 having worked with Russell Weigley and Richard Immerman. Weaver also studied under William Leary, John Morrow, Jr., and Eugene Genovese at the University of Georgia.

Research Interest/Expertise: Cold War, History of the Vietnam War, U.S. Military History, Aviation History, World War II, Force & Diplomacy, History of the United States.

Major Matthew Hawkins

Major Matthew Hawkins is an Air University Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force's Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Maj Hawkins graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Prior to ACSC, Maj Hawkins was the Program Manager for Special Communications at United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) at MacDill AFB, FL. He has previously served in various Engineering, Program Management, Intelligence, and Weapons Test positions at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH and Eglin AFB, FL. In 2013, Maj Hawkins deployed to HQ USAFCENT at Al Udeid AB, Qatar in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He has experience at the Joint Staff, Wing, Group, and Squadron levels. Maj Hawkins holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, a MS in Engineering Management from the University of Dayton, and a MS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. 

Lt Col Angela Jacobson

Lt Col Angela Jacobson is an Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). She teaches the Airpower I and Airpower II courses and serves as a Deputy Course Director for Airpower Studies I. Prior to this assignment, she served as the Geographically Separated Unit (GSU) Lead for the Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS) Program Management Office. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech in 2000, Lt Col Jacobson entered active duty as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Combat Crew Deputy Commander as well as serving as an Instructor and Evaluator. Lt Col Jacobson has a breadth of knowledge gained across several assignments in operations, intelligence, acquisitions, education and command and control over the past 20 years of service. During her previous assignments, she deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as an Executive Officer to the Director, Strategy, Plans, and Assessments, Multinational Forces-Iraq. Lt Col Jacobson is a graduate from ACSC in 2014 and also has a master's degree in Business Administration.

Major Aimee T. Kirchner 

Major Aimee T. Kirchner is an Air University Fellow and Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). As a Finance Officer, Major Kirchner has held a variety of positions at base level, in acquisitions and on Air Staff. Prior to this assignment, Major Kirchner was the Director of Operations for the 502d Comptroller Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Major Kirchner deployed in joint billets twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar and to Kabul/Bagram, Afghanistan. Major Kirchner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Colorado State University. She also holds a Master of Science in Cost Analysis from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from ACSC. Major Kirchner is a Distinguished Graduate from the AFIT class of 2012. 

Lt Col Kelley M. Marcell  

Lt Col Kelley M. Marcell currently serves as an Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). She started her career as an Air Weapons Controller at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, and went on to become a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and Instructor WSO in the F-15E Strike Eagle. Lt Col Marcell has flown in Operation DELIBERATE GUARD and NOBLE EAGLE and has deployed in support of Operation ALLIED FORCE. She has held various leadership positions at several operational, test and training assignments to include Acting Group Commander, 53rd Electronic Warfare Group (EWG), Eglin AFB; Deputy Group Commander, 53 EWG, Eglin AFB; Commander, 16th Electronic Warfare Squadron, Eglin AFB; Director of Operations, 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron, Eglin AFB; Commander, Cadet Squadron 20, United States Air Force Academy; and Senior Air Force Liaison Officer, Training Air Wing Six, NAS Pensacola FL where she taught Joint Undergraduate Navigator Training. Lt Col Marcell also worked in the Regional Cultural Studies Program at Air War College and most recently was the 42 ABW Inspector General. She was commissioned through ROTC in 1993 after graduating from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, minor in psychology. She holds a master's degree in Counseling and Leadership from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs through AFIT where she also received her ACSC in-Residence credit through the Air Officer Commander program.

Lt Col R. A. Orozco

Lt Col R. A. Orozco is an Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the US Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He teaches the Airpower I and Airpower II courses. Prior to this assignment, he served as Political-Military Affairs Strategist and Director of Operations, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron at Travis AFB, CA.  He is a prior-enlisted KC-135 Boom Operator, an F-15E Weapon Systems Officer, an Air Ground Operations School instructor, an Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training instructor, and a senior Air Advisor. During his operational assignments, he deployed in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, a Theater Security Package detachment to the Korean Peninsula, and numerous security cooperation engagements within SOUTHCOM. Lt Col Orozco received a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Air Force Academy. He also holds a Master of Arts in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from ACSC in AY18.

Maj Jon A. Oswald

Maj Jon A. Oswald is currently an Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and an Air University Fellow. Major Oswald received his commission from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2008. He is a senior pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the T-6, T-1, KC-135, and C-17. He has flown over 160 combat missions. Prior to ACSC, Maj Oswald served as Chief Executive Officer for the 305th Air Mobility Wing and Instructor Pilot, C-17A, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. He was selected for the MAF’s Phoenix Reach program while a KC-135 Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Squadron Stan/Eval, 349th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, KS. Major Oswald holds a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma in Administrative Leadership and a Master of Science degree from The Air University in Military Operational Art and Science.

Major Jason E. Steinlicht 

Major Jason E. Steinlicht is an Instructor at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He teaches the Airpower I and Airpower II courses for the Department of Airpower.  Maj Steinlicht graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2019.  Prior to ACSC, Maj Steinlicht was a C-130J Instructor Pilot and Assistant Director of Operations at Dyess Air Force Base, in Abilene TX.  Prior to Dyess, Major Steinlicht was an Evaluator Navigator on the KC-135 Stratotanker.  During his time at Dyess and McConnell, he instructed and commanded missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn, and Freedom Sentinel logging over 650 combat hours.  His most recent deployment in 2018, he served as the Director of Operations for the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti.  Maj Steinlicht received Magnum Cum Laude honors and was a 2nd Team ESPN National Academic Award Winner from the University of Dubuque in Iowa. Maj Steinlicht is a Distinguished Graduate from Joint Undergraduate Pilot Training, C-130J Initial Pilot Qualification and Squadron Officer School.  He graduated with a BS in Flight Operations from the University of Dubuque and he also received a MS in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as well as a MS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University.​

Major Ben Peacock

Major Ben Peacock is an Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Prior to instructing at ACSC, Maj Peacock was a member of ACSC’s AY20 class. He received his commission from OTS and after graduating pilot training at Vance AFB, OK, Maj Peacock was assigned to fly the C-17 while stationed in Charleston, SC followed by an assignment as a MC-12W Pilot and Mission Commander while stationed at Beale AFB, CA. Most recently, he trained USAF and international student pilots as a T-1 Instructor Pilot at Columbus AFB, MS. Maj Peacock graduated with a BA in Communications from Elon University and also received a MAS in Aviation Aerospace Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a senior pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in the C-17, MC-12, and T-1 aircraft. 

Major Fernando Rolón 

Major Fernando Rolón is an Air University Fellow and Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Maxwell AFB, AL. Maj Rolón graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Prior to ACSC, Maj Rolón was the Commander of the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Travis AFB, CA. Prior to his command, he was a member of the Air Mobility Command’s Phoenix Mobility professional leadership development program serving as the Director of Staff and Contingency Response Element Operations Officer, 821st Contingency Response Group, Travis AFB, CA. Maj Rolón has served in various aircraft maintenance positions including quality assurance officer in charge, aircraft maintenance unit officer in charge, and maintenance operations officer. He graduated with a B.A. in History from Texas A&M University and a M.A. in Military Studies with a concentration of Air Warfare from American Military University as well as a M.S. in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University.

Research Interest/Expertise: Airpower History, Air Mobility Operations, Logistics, Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR)

Lt Col Andrew J. Swartzer

Lt Col Andrew J. Swartzer, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He currently teaches Airpower Two, Joint-Warfighting, and co-teaches an elective on the history of Airpower Technology. He graduated with a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Auburn University, an M.S.A. in Information Resources Management from Central Michigan University, and an M.S. in Adult Education from Troy University. Dr. Swartzer received his PhD in History (History of Technology) from Auburn University in 2020. A career Space and Missile officer, he has held assignments in the Minuteman III ICBM and in the Global Positioning System (GPS), as well as multiple joint and training assignments. Previously assigned to ACSC, he served as an instructor and deputy department chair in the Department of Airpower before being selected to earn his Advanced Academic Degree (AAD) through the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Civilian Institute Program (AFIT/CIP). 

Major Kevin Williams 

Major Kevin Williams is an ACSC Fellow and Instructor in the Department of Airpower at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He teaches the Airpower I, Airpower II, and Air Force in Fact, Film, and Fiction Elective.  Prior to this assignment he was the Chief, Analysis and Correlation and Fusion cell leading a 63-member multinational analyst team to gather, create, and disseminate all-source intelligence for Air Force Central Command, he served as the Executive Officer, Geospatial and Signatures Intelligence Group and Director of Operations for the Aircraft Analysis Squadron at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center. Additionally, he has also held positions in space program management for contracts ranging up to $45 million dollars. He earned his undergrad from The Citadel, has an M.B.A, and graduated from ACSC in May of 2020.

Department of International Security

The Department of International Security is made up of civilian and military faculty from across the joint force and includes officers from our nation’s allies. Faculty within the department are responsible for teaching, research, and service. The department develops and delivers two of the core courses: International Security 1 and International Security 2. The first course, IS 1, provides a comprehensive overview of the context in which the development of US grand strategy occurs. The second course, IS 2, explores the conduct of national security through the lens of military strategy.

Dr. Matthew Schwonek  

Dr. Matthew R. Schwonek currently is the Chair, Department of International Security, Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  He is Associate Professor of Comparative Military Studies.  His responsibilities include teaching ACSC core courses in military theory, international relations, and security studies.  He also teaches elective course on politics and security in Central Europe.  He received a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in East Central European and Russian History from the Ohio State University in 1994.  Before coming to ACSC in 1996, he served as assistant director of Ohio State’s Center for Slavic and East European Studies.  His research interests include European military and diplomatic history, the history of Poland, Russia/Soviet Union, and Balkans.  He has published articles and book chapters on the history of Polish arms.  He is currently completing a political and military biography of Gen. Kazimierz Sosnkowski, spanning a career from terrorist to Commander in Chief.

Lt Col Shannon C. Cummins  

Lieutenant Colonel Shannon C. Cummins is the Deputy Chairman of the Department of International Security and the Cybersecurity Chairman at Air Command and Staff College.  He holds a MS in Telecommunications Management, a MAS in Military Operational Art and Science, and is a certified instructor of International Security Courses I and II.  Lt Col Cummins is a career expeditionary cyberspace officer with 19 years of experience in cyberspace operations at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels.  He is a twice graduated squadron commander with staff experience at the MAJCOM and COCOM levels.  Prior to his current assignment he led the 22d Communications Squadron at McConnel AFB, KS responsible for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers in direct support of the world’s largest air refueling wing flying worldwide aerial refueling and airlift operations in the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus.  LtCol Cummins received his commission in 2001 as a graduate of Kansas State University Reserve Officer Training Corps program.  He has been assigned to numerous operational, deployed, staff, and command positions. Prior to his current assignment he served as C4 Support Operations Branch Chief, C4 Operations Branch, C4/Cyber Directorate, United States European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

Lt Col Matthew Youmans

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Youmans is the Director of Staff for the Department of International Security at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). A 2019 ACSC graduate, he teaches two core curriculum International Security courses in addition to an elective course on international relations and game theory. Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Youmans enabled the Nation’s strategic deterrence force as an ICBM combat crew commander, instructor, inspector, and nuclear war plans analyst. An Air Education and Training Command Master Instructor, he holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air University, a Master of Public Administration degree from American Military University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Iowa.  

Dr. Wes Hutto

Dr. Wes Hutto is Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of International Security. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Alabama. He serves as Course Director of International Security I: The Context of International Security, and offers an elective on comparative regional security. His research interests include international security, military science, multinational military exercises and US foreign policy, and comparative regional security. His work has been published in Defence Studies and RUSI Journal.

Lt Col Anthony Kim 

Lt Col Anthony Kim is an Instructor of International Security Studies at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Previously the IN Deputy Director to the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education responsible for the management and training of the Center’s intelligence and wargaming exercises.  Lt Col Kim has taught extensively throughout Air University to include ROTC, OTS, SOS, ACSC distance learning and professional continuing education classes at the LeMay Center.

Lt Col Jon Beach

Lt Col Jon Beach is an Air Command and Staff College AY13 graduate and serves as an instructor in Air Command and Staff College's Department of International Security.  He taught International Security 1 in AY20 and Joint Planning in AY19.  Lt Col Beach previously worked as the Deputy Requirements Division Chief on the AMC staff.  He has served as a Political Affairs Specialist, Program Element Monitor, Chief of Wing Planning and Program Manager.  He holds a Masters of Fine Arts in Biology from the Harvard Extension School and a Bachelor of Engineering in Physics from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Dr. Ann Mezzell

Dr. Ann Mezzell earned her MA in political science from the University of Alabama and her PhD in the same field from the University of Georgia. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of International Security at Air Command and Staff College, she teaches the department’s core courses and serves as course director of the International Security II (military strategy) course. In addition, Dr. Mezzell offers electives on state security challenges and the use of force in peacekeeping operations. Her recent publications appear in Strategic Studies Quarterly.​

Dr. Ronald Dains

Dr. Ronald Dains is an Associate Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Air Command and Staff College’s Department of International Security.  He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Alabama, an MS and BS in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force.  Dr. Dains has presented ACSC core courses in International Security, War Theory, Warfare Studies, Regional and Cultural Studies, and Joint Air Campaign Planning along with elective courses in US Civil-Military Relations and the History of Logistics.  He also served as Chair of the Department of International Security from 2015-2020.  He is presently editing a proposal for a book on Civil-Military Relations, along with researching material for series of articles on followership.  Ron served at the US Air Force Academy from 1998-2001 as instructor of Military Strategic Studies, Cadet Wing Newspaper advisor, Squadron Professional Ethics Advisor, and Assistant Editor for USAFA’s journal AIRMAN-SCHOLAR.  Dr. Dains is a retired Aircraft / Munitions Maintenance Officer supporting B-1, B-52, B-2, F-15E, E-3C (AWACS), and CALCM platforms.  He was a USAF enlisted Electro-Environmental Technician maintaining H-1F & N, HH-3, HH-53, H-60, and C-130 airframes and was an enlisted PME instructor at the Airman Leadership School and Noncommissioned Officer Academy levels.  Ron also served in the US Navy as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate and SH-3 Search and Rescue Swimmer / Aircrewman.  Following retirement from the USAF he joined the Government Accountability Office as a Defense Analyst in the Acquisition and Sourcing Management Team.  Dr. Dains returned to ACSC as a civilian faculty member in 2009.

WG CDR Rich Milburn 

Wg Cdr Rich Milburn is the RAF Exchange Officer at ACSC.  He is a graduate of ACSC and SAASS, and teaches War Theory, IS1 and IS2.  He has had articles published by Parameters, the US Army War College Journal, and Finest Hour, the International Churchill Society Journal.  Milburn is currently writing a biography of Sir Charles Portal, the head of the RAF during World War Two. 

Dr. Kelly A. Greico

Dr. Kelly A. Grieco is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of International Security at the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). She was previously the Course Director for War Theory and teaches courses in war theory, international security, and military effectiveness. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was an affiliate of the Security Studies Program (SSP), and A.B. (summa cum laude) in Government from Dartmouth College. She has held fellowships from the MIT Center for International Studies (CIS), the Smith Richardson Foundation, and the Tobin Project. Her research interests include coalition warfare, coalition military effectiveness, military strategy and US force posture. 

Dr. Andrew Akin  

Dr. Andrew Akin is an Assistant Professor of National Security studies at the Air Command and Staff College. He attend Wabash College in Indiana for undergraduate school, studying political science & Russian language. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in International Relations. Having studied and traveled extensively in Russia as an undergrad and graduate student on a Fulbright-hays fellowship, his research focuses on both armed conflict & the post-Soviet states. He was the 2017 AETC civilian educator of the year.  His published work appears in outlets such as The Washington Post, and the Journal, Russian Politics. He is also a classically trained cellist and performs regularly with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.  

Major James Lambertsen  

Major James Lambertsen is a 2019 graduate of Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and serves as an instructor in ACSC’s Department of International Security.  In addition to teaching International Security I and II, he also instructs the Gaming Statecraft elective. Prior to his assignment at Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB), Major Lambertsen was a C-17 Evaluator Pilot and also flew a variety of short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). In addition to his vast aviation experience, Major Lambertsen also holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air University, a Master of Science in Aerospace and Aviation Science Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Fl. 

Major Ara Bartemes

Major Ara Bartemes is a 2020 graduate of Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and serves as an instructor in ACSC’s Department of International Security.  Prior to his assignment at Maxwell Air Force Base, Major Bartemes served as the United States Air Forces in Europe program manager for the multinational Strategic Airlift Capability, a cooperative defense design, flying C-17 aircraft within Europe and surrounding theaters. Major Bartemes is qualified as an instructor pilot in both the KC-135 and C-17. He also holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air University, a Master of Arts in Human Services: Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.  

Dr. Melvin G. Deaile

Dr. Melvin G. Deaile is the Director of the School of Advanced Nuclear and Deterrence Studies (SANDS) and an Associate Professor in the Department of International Studies at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. He teaches classes on nuclear deterrence, nuclear strategy, joint warfighting, and classical military thought. Dr Deaile hails from Fresno, CA native, and is a retired Air Force Colonel, where he served two tours in the B-52 Stratofortress and a tour in the B-2 Spirit. He has flown combat operations as part of Operations DESERT STORM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, including a record setting 44.3 hour combat mission, and deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and a distinguished graduate of the USAF Weapon School. Dr Deaile recently published his first book, Always at War, which chronicles the development of SAC’s organizational culture under Gen Curtis LeMay. He is the author of multiple articles, editorials, and book reviews on nuclear weapons and their role in national security.

Lt Col Joshua Holmes  

Lt Col Joshua Holmes is an instructor at Air Command and Staff College’s Department of International Security. In addition to teaching the International Security Course, he is the Deputy Director of the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies. Lt Col Holmes has multiple combat tours supporting operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He holds a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the College of Naval Command and Staff and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Prior to being assigned to ACSC, Lt Col Holmes was the Air Force Global Strike Command Deputy Division Chief, Training, Test, and Stan/Eval Division at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. 

Dr. Kathryn M. G. Boehlefeld  

Dr. Kathryn M. G. Boehlefeld is an assistant professor of Military and Security Studies at Air University's Air Command and Staff College, and a faculty member for the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS). She earned her PhD in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame and her B.A. from Northern Illinois University. She is also a graduate of the Joint and Combined Warfighting School. Dr. Boehlefeld teaches courses on nuclear deterrence theory and practice, international security, and comparative civil-military relations. Her research centers on international security, with a particular focus on national security policy, civil-military relations, and nuclear deterrence. Currently, she is working on projects related to conventional-nuclear integration, military professionalism, and a comparative study of the efficacy of the Iranian and North Korea nuclear sanctions.  

Major Alyson Busch  

Major Alyson Busch is a 2020 graduate of Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and currently serves as an instructor in ACSC’s Department of International Security through the Air University Fellows program.  Previously Maj Busch was the Operations Flight Commander for the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron at Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea.  She has three deployments, three remote tours, and has served as an executive officer and at the Air Force Civil Engineer Center as a staff officer among other assignments.  Major Busch holds a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy.

Dr. Todd C. Robinson  

Dr. Todd C. Robinson is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies with the School for Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies (SANDS) at the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell, AFB.  He was previously an Assistant Professor of Nuclear Enterprise Operations with the Center for Strategic Deterrence Studies at the Air War College.  Prior to this, he was a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow at the RAND Corporation and the Associate Director of the Program in Arms Control, Disarmament, and International Security (ACDIS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  His research focuses on nuclear weapons issues, including strategic deterrence and assurance, military roles and responsibilities, and East Asia, and has been published in the Non-Proliferation Review, Swords and Ploughshares, the Yale Journal of International Affairs, and the National Interest.  He is currently working on a book manuscript on comparative nuclear culture.  His teaching responsibilities include being the instructor of Deterrence Theory and Practice I within the SANDS curriculum, as well as sections of War Theory and International Security II for ACSC and a joint AWC/ACSC elective on Comparative Nuclear Strategy.  He has a B.A. in Asian Studies from the University of Alabama, an M.A. in Security Policy Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 

Dr. Michael Ryan Kraig  

Dr. Michael Ryan Kraig is Associate Professor of International Security Studies at Air Command and Staff College.  He earned his Ph.D. in political science from the University at Buffalo, New York, with a major in international security studies and a minor in comparative politics.  Dr. Kraig served in several senior capacities with the Stanley Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan foundation devoted to researching and advocating security policy options for the US and its competitors that would moderate the extremes of their geopolitical disagreements. He was a frequent traveler to Europe, the Middle East and Asia to give scholarly presentations on US policy thinking and strategy, alongside management and implementation of broad-based “track-2,” informal diplomatic dialogues among a wide range of senior national and global political leaders, think-tank analysts, and academics from global capitals such as Tehran, Riyadh, Damascus, Cairo, Dubai, Muscat (Oman), Berlin, London, Moscow, and Beijing. Prior to joining the foundation, Dr. Kraig interned with what is now known as the Government Accountability Office on nuclear weapons issues in the post-Cold War era and presented findings on South Asian nuclear arsenals at the UN 2000 NPT Review Conference.

Dr. Kevin C. Holzimmer  

Dr. Kevin C. Holzimmer is Professor of Comparative Military Studies at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  Before his current position at ACSC, he was a research professor at the USAF Air Force Research Institute and taught at the School for Advanced Air and Space Studies.  Dr. Holzimmer has published numerous studies on World War II in the Pacific, including General Walter Krueger: Unsung Hero of the Pacific War (University Press of Kansas).  He is currently working on a book-length project that examines how the principal air, land, and sea commanders forged an effective joint team that successfully fought the Japanese in Douglas MacArthur’s Southwest Pacific Area.  In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Holzimmer has worked on recent policy concerns, first with GEN David H. Petraeus’ USCENTCOM Joint Strategic Assessment Team (9 October 2008- February 2009) and most recently conducting fieldwork in charting a U.S. Air Force strategy based upon President Obama’s famous “pivot to Asia” speech.  He holds a PhD in military history from Temple University. 

Major Nicole Klingensmith   

Major Nicole Klingensmith is an Air University Fellow at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and an AY20 graduate.  Maj Klingensmith serves in the School of Advanced Nuclear Deterrence Studies as an instructor in ACSC’s Department of International Security. Prior to her current assignment, Maj Klingensmith served as an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) operations instructor, an ICBM nuclear operations inspector, and as Legislative Liaison for Air Force Global Strike Command. Maj Klingensmith holds a MAS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, a MAS in International Relations from Salve Regina University, and a BA in Political Science and International Affairs from University of New Hampshire.

Dr. William Dean  

Dr. William Dean is an Associate Professor of History at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL. He is a graduate of the University of the South (Sewanee) and received his doctorate and master’s degrees from the University of Chicago in European military and diplomatic history. He was a Chateaubriand recipient from the French government and has won the Military Officer of America Association (MOAA) award for civilian educator of the year and the Major General John Alison Award for Air Force Special Operations. He has published on French colonial warfare, intelligence, and air power issues in Revue Historique des Armées, Penser les Ailes Françaises, Defense Intelligence Review, and several chapters in various books.  

Dr. Robert DiPrizio  

Dr. Robert DiPrizio is an Associate Professor of Security and Military Studies at Air Command and Staff College. He is an expert on numerous security issues such as humanitarian interventions and the Arab-Israeli conflict.  He is the author of “Armed Humanitarians: US Interventions from Northern Iraq to Kosovo,” published by Johns Hopkins University Press, and is editor of “Conflict in the Holy Land: From Ancient Times to the Arab-Israeli Conflicts” published by ABC-CLIO. Dr. DiPrizio grew up in the Boston area and earned his PhD in International Relations in 2000 from the University of Delaware.  He now lives in Prattville with his two children and a massive dog named Buddy.

Lt Col Michael P. Kreuzer

Lt Col Michael P. Kreuzer is an Assistant Professor for International Security at Air Command and Staff College and is the Course Director of International Security II.  He holds a PhD in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, a Masters of Strategic Intelligence from American Military University, and a BS in History from the US Air Force Academy.   He is a career intelligence officer who has served multiple combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was the Director of Operations for Distributed Ground Station-1.  Prior to his current assignment, he was the Associate Military Provost for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey, CA.  His research interests include the adoption of emerging technologies by states and military forces, and the organizational capacity required to adapt to changes in the operating environment.  

Lt Col Chadwick Shields

Lt Col Chadwick Shields, United States Army, is an instructor in the Department of International Studies and the Multi Domain Operations Strategist Concentration at the Air Command and Staff College. His previous assignment was at the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) where he served as the Squadron Commander for the “Widowmakers”, 1-75th Cavalry Squadron. He has over three and a half years of combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan along with an operational deployment to Kosovo. He holds a Master’s Degree in Military Art and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, KS and a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University. LTC Shields is a 1993 graduate of the United States Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. 

Major Jacob Roney

Major Jacob Roney is a 2020 Distinguished Graduate of Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and serves as the Air University (AU) Fellows Program Manager as well as instructs in ACSC’s Department of International Security.  Previously Maj Roney was an instructor for Squadron Officer School where he taught leadership, teambuilding, and joint warfare.  He is a Senior Navigator in the C-130 with over 2,000 flight hours and more than 700 combat hours over numerous deployments.  Major Roney holds a master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air University, a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from National American University, and an Associate of Science in Financial Management from the Community College of the Air Force.

Dr. Gregory D. Miller  

Dr. Gregory D. Miller is Associate Professor of Military and Security Studies at the Air Command and Staff College.  Prior to joining ACSC, he was Chair of the Strategy Department at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, in Norfolk, VA.  Dr. Miller received Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and History from the University of California, Los Angeles (1996), a Master’s Degree in Security Policy Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University (1998), and a Master’s Degree (2000) and Ph.D. (2004) in Political Science from The Ohio State University.  His research focuses on a broad range of topics in the areas of international relations, terrorism, and military history.  In 2012, Cornell University Press published his book, The Shadow of the Past: Reputation and Military Alliances before the First World War, as part of the Cornell Studies in Security Affairs series.  His articles appear in Security Studies, Terrorism & Political Violence, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Perspectives on Terrorism, Joint Forces Quarterly, Air and Space Power Journal, The Washington Quarterly, PS: Political Science and Politics, Parameters, Small Wars Journal, and The Strategy Bridge, and he contributed a chapter on the methods and ethics of teaching about terrorism to the recently published Oxford Handbook of Terrorism.  He previously held faculty positions at the College of William & Mary, the University of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University.  He currently serves as Editor for the book series “Political Violence in America” at the University of Oklahoma Press, and is an Associate Editor for the journal, Perspectives on Terrorism.

Dr. Mary Hampton

Dr. Hampton has been Professor of International Security at ACSC (Air University) since 2003 and was the Associate Dean for Academics from 2010-2014. Before coming to ACSC, Dr. Hampton was a Professor of Political Science at the University of Utah for 14 years. Prior to that, she received her PhD from UCLA in Political Science. Dr. Hampton’s areas of research and teaching expertise include NATO, European security, German domestic and security policy, Russian foreign policy, U.S. foreign and security policy, and identity politics in international relations.  She has taught, written multiple articles and books, and lectured extensively on these topics. She has received NATO, MacArthur, Ford Foundation, and Fulbright fellowships that facilitated research in these areas. Of her 4 books, she has a 2015 co-edited book, The Baltic Security Puzzle: Regional Developments in Integration, Democratization and Authoritarianism, published by Rowman and Littlefield. She is currently working on a book manuscript, Call to Order: The Fate of Vanquished Great Powers After Major War. A chapter entitled “NATO at 75” will appear in the 2021 edited book, The Challenge to NATO (University of Nebraska Press), which includes new research on NATO’s role in world order after the Cold War. 

Department of Warfighting

The Department of Warfighting is made up of civilian and military faculty from across the joint force and includes officers from our nation's allies.  Faculty within the department are responsible for teaching, research, and service.  The Warfighting department is responsible for two core courses, War Theory and Joint  Warfighting.  War Theory introduces military theory, addressing both the nature and character of war.  Joint Warfighting is designed to demonstrate, at the operational level, how the U.S. joint force organizes, deploys, employs, sustains, and redeploys military capabilities in support of national interest in order to prevail in war.

Dr. Robert (Bob) Mahoney  

Dr. Robert (Bob) Mahoney is the Chair, Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. He has a PhD in History from the George Washington University, a MS in National Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University (NDU), a MS in Management from Webster University, and a BS in Engineering Sciences from the United States Air Force Academy. Prior to arriving at ACSC, Dr. Mahoney was the Dean of the Marine Corps War College and an Assistant Professor at the Eisenhower School at NDU. His book, The Mayaguez Incident, was published by Texas Tech Press. He is a retired USAF Colonel with over 27 years of service, commanded a KC-135 flying squadron, was on the AMC and CJCS staff, and was a command pilot with over 3500 hours in the T-37, T-38 and KC-135. 

Research Interest/Expertise:  The US Constitution, Joint Warfighting, Joint Planning, Operational Design, Leadership, US Air Force History, Vietnam War era, WW II, Revolutionary War, and Civil War 

Lt Col Kyle G. Bellue  

Lt Col Kyle G. Bellue is the Deputy Department Chair and instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College. He taught both Leadership and Joint Warfighting in ACSC’s Academic Year 2019.  He has a B.S. and M.S. in Meteorology from Texas A&M University and is currently working on his EdD in Higher Education (concentration on leadership) from the University of Memphis. His assignments include operational weather, weather equipment acquisitions, AFROTC and the Joint Staff as course director/developer for the Joint METOC (Meteorological and Oceanographic) Officer's Course and the US representative on NATO's METOC Working Group. He is a graduated weather squadron commander and AFROTC detachment commander. He has multiple operational deployments in command and staff positions supporting Air Force and Army across the CENTCOM AOR. 

Major Nicholas “Chatter” Meyers  

Major Nicholas “Chatter” Meyers is an instructor in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. He serves as an instructor for two academic courses as well as the Director of Staff. He received his commission and Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University in 2007. Additionally, he holds a Masters of Science in Information Assurance. Maj Meyers graduated from the Air Command and Staff College in 2020. Maj Meyers is a Senior Pilot and has flown combat operations in both the C-17 and MQ-9 in support of multiple named operations across the globe. He last served as the Director of Operations for the 26th Weapons Squadron at Nellis AFB.

Dr. Christopher Weimar  

Dr. Christopher Weimar is an Assistant Professor of National Security Studies in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He holds an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Political Science from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, a M.A. in International Relations from Boston University, and a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Fordham University. Prior to his arrival at ACSC, Dr. Weimar has taught in various public college and university political science programs. A retired US Air Force Colonel, Dr. Weimar served in both Active and Reserve status in Communications-Information Systems Management, Cyberspace Operations, and Logistics Readiness. He has served at all levels from flight to Combatant Command, and has deployed to the African theater, Kuwait, and Iraq. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Director of Logistics and Engineering at North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command. He is a graduate of both ACSC and AWC by correspondence and completed the Joint and Combined Warfighting School-Hybrid Program.

Lt Col Travis R. Eastbourne  

Lt Col Travis R. Eastbourne is an instructor in the Department of Warfighting and has been the deputy course director for Joint Warfighting since October 2018. Lt Col Eastbourne is a 1998 graduate of Washington State University where he graduated with a BA in Communications. He is a graduate of ACSC and has a Masters of Military Art and Science. He is a Master Air Battle Manager with over 3900 hours in the E-3A/B/C/G. He has deployed and flown Combat/Combat Support sorties in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, NORTHERN WATCH, IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, UNIFIED PROTECTOR, and INHERENT RESOLVE. He served as the Director of Staff for 7th Air Force A3/A5 from 2008-2009 and most recently served as Deputy Chief Air Battle Manager as well as an Instructor Mission Crew Commander/ Evaluator Senior Director for the 513 Air Control Group in the Air Force Reserve.

Dr. James D. Campbell

Dr. James D. Campbell is an Associate Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Joint Warfighting Department. A retired US Army Brigadier General, Dr. Campbell served as an Infantryman and Strategic Plans and Policy Officer for 30 years, with assignments at all levels of command and staff, in both the Regular Army and the National Guard. Most recently he served as the Deputy Chief, Operations Plans Division at US Central Command, and prior to his retirement served as the 39th Adjutant General of Maine with the state cabinet-level position of Commissioner of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. Dr. Campbell holds a M.A. in European History and a Ph.D. in British History from the University of Maine. He is a graduate of the CAPSTONE course at the National Defense University, the US Army War College, and was an International Security Studies Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University. Dr. Campbell has published works on subjects ranging from Homeland Defense, to Irregular Warfare, and 19th and early 20th century British Military History.

Research Interest/Expertise: His current research interests focus on British Imperial military operations and the Army in India. 

Major Christopher G. Marquis   Maj Christopher G. Marquis is the Director of Instruction in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC/DEW), Air University, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.  He is an instructor of the Joint Warfighting and War Theory core courses and of the Understanding the U.S. Constitution elective. He earned his BA in economics and government from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, and his MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History degree at Auburn University, Alabama. He was commissioned through the Officer Training School at Maxwell AFB. His primary career field is contracting, and he is a worldwide deployable contingency contracting officer. 

Mr. Brent Lawniczak   Mr. Brent Lawniczak is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  A retired Marine aviator (UH-1N/UC-12), he has served in multiple theaters in various capacities. He served as the Senior Marine Corps Advisor to the Commandant of ACSC from 2008-2012. Additionally, Brent was qualified as a Command Pilot, Forward Air Controller (Airborne) (FAC(A)), Forward Air Controller (FAC)/Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. His interests and expertise include Joint planning, operational design, joint fires, maritime and amphibious operations, aviation operations, policy formulation, American politics, and international relations.  

Dr. Brian R. Price    Dr. Brian R. Price is an Associate Professor in the Department of Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in political science, and holds a doctorate from the University of North Texas in military history. He has conducted research for the POW-MIA Accounting Agency, served as a Social Science SME serving special operations in Afghanistan, and has served a double tour as Senior Social Scientist in RC East, Afghanistan, 2011-12. He worked for ten years in Silicon Valley, rising to the level of Vice President, and ran his own publishing company before taking his doctorate. His research interests focus on the nexus between culture, technology and war, and his current research focuses on the development of post-Vietnam TACAIR, a project for which he has conducted extensive archival research along with oral histories on a number of senior officers. He is published in a number of journals, and has several books in his second field, medieval and early modern warfare. In his spare time he teaches historical swordsmanship and has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  

Major Quenella L. Garrett   Maj Quenella L. Garrett is an Instructor in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. MAJ Garrett earned a B.S. in Management in 2003 from Park University.  She earned a M.A. in Human Resources Development in 2004 from Webster University.  She was commissioned in 2005 through the Office Candidate School (OCS), Fort Benning, Georgia. She is a Logistics Officer in the U.S. Army. She is a 2016 graduate of Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. MAJ Garrett has served in a variety of positions from Platoon Leader to Battalion Executive Officer throughout her 27-year career (13 years enlisted).  MAJ Garrett assignments include various duty stations stateside and abroad to include Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Lee, Virginia, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Multi-National Force Observers, Egypt, and various deployments with the latest being Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) 2015 as the Directorate of Logistics-J4. 

Lt Col Andrew Miscisin   Lt Col Andrew Miscisin is a Joint Warfighting instructor at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  Prior to this assignment, he served four operational flying tours at Little Rock AFB, Elmendorf AFB, RAF Mildenhall, and Hurlburt Field.  Lt Col Miscisin is a command navigator with 3,900 flying hours in multiple C-130 variants, including 1100 combat/combat support hours while deploying numerous times in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM.  A 2014 graduate of residence ACSC, he also completed Air War College by correspondence while serving on staff as the Defense Threat Reduction Agency liaison at US Africa Command’s Plans and Policy Directorate.  Lt Col Miscisin chose to return for ACSC instructor duty, where he taught in the Department of Airpower and was the Associate Dean for Students and Support.  After returning from a deployed staff position to the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Lt Col Miscisin requested to leverage his recent planning experience as a Joint Warfighting instructor. His Research Interest/Expertise is in the Cold War, History of the Vietnam War, U.S. Military History, and Aviation History. 

Dr. Bradley F. Podliska 

Dr. Bradley F. Podliska is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Joint Warfighting at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. He has a Ph.D. in Political Science (International Relations major) from Texas A&M University, a M.A. in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, and a B.A. (with honors) in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to arriving at ACSC, Dr. Podliska worked as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense and as an investigator for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi. His publications include a book, Acting Alone: A Scientific Study of American Hegemony and Unilateral Use-of-Force Decision Making (Lexington Books) and a book chapter, “Security and the Surveillance State: Bureaucratic Politics, the Intelligence Community, and Congressional Oversight” (Campus Verlag). He is an intelligence officer in the US Air Force Reserves and has served on the J2 staff with US Joint Forces Command and US European Command.   

Lt Col Joseph D. Beal  

Lt Col Joseph D. Beal is an instructor and Deputy Department Chair in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College. Lt Col Beal is a Command Pilot and Weapons Officer with over 3000 flight hours. His operational and staff tours include assignments to AMC, PACAF, and USAFE. He holds Masters degrees from the University of Alabama, Air Force Institute of Technology, and Air University. Lt Col Beal is a SAASS graduate and completed in residence IDE at the Advanced Studies of Air Mobility (ASAM). Prior to his arrival at ACSC, Lt Col Beal was Deputy Commander, 437th Operations Group, and Commander, 437th Operations Support Squadron.  

Dr. John L. Minney  

Dr. John L. Minney is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Joint Warfighting Department. A retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Minney is a Master Navigator, and has flown the F-111, F-15E, KC-135, and C-130 aircraft. Dr. Minney holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Alabama. He is a graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College and the Air War College in-residence programs. Prior to his arrival at ACSC he worked as an Assistant Professor of History at Concordia College Alabama, and has taught as an Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Alabama, Auburn University Montgomery, and Troy University. His research interests and expertise are in Military History, Air Power History, the relationship between USAF Doctrine and Technology, and Grand Strategy. 

Maj Timothy E. Cowan 

Maj Timothy E. Cowan is an instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL. Maj Cowan is a 2006 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where he received a BS in Military History, and also has an MA in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College. He has served as both a Security Forces and Intelligence Officer, and has operational leadership and planning experience in U.S. European Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and U.S. Central Command, including multiple deployments. 

Lt Col Jerry Davisson

Lt Col Jerry Davisson is a Joint Warfighting instructor at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  Prior to this assignment, he Commanded Air Combat Command's Training Support Squadron Detachment 9 located at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.  Enlisting in 1985, Lt Col Davisson served 14 years as a Munitions Technician, then commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Program as a 2001 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University.  He is a Master Air Battle Manager with over 2,270 hours in the E-3A/B/C, the AN/TYQ-23A Control and Reporting Center and Battle Control System-Korea.  He has served as an Aircrew Instructor and Evaluator and participated in numerous contingency and combat operations to include operations Desert Storm, Provide Hope, Iraqi Freedom, Active Endeavor, Provide Comfort, Afghan Assist, and Unified Protector.  Lt Col Davisson holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. 

Maj Allen J. DeNeve

Maj Allen J. DeNeve is an Air University Fellow instructing in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Montgomery, Alabama. Maj DeNeve is a 2008 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy where he received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering. He also holds an MS in Systems Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and an MA in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College. As a career force modernization officer, he was assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory and subsequently has worked a variety of acquisition efforts including Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, nuclear weapons, and advanced early concept development.  

Lt Col Neil W. Dimmitt

Lt Col Neil W. Dimmitt is an instructor in the Department of Warfighting.  He is a 2004 graduate of Angelo State University where he graduated magna cum laude with a BA in History.  He has earned two Masters degrees: a Masters of Military Art and Science from ACSC and a Masters in Military History from American Military University.  He is a Ph.D. Candidate in Military History from Texas A&M University.  He is a Master Air Battle Manager with 1,700 hours on the E-3B/C/G and four years experience in a Control and Reporting Center.  He has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, ENDURING FREEDOM, and INHERENT RESOLVE.  He has served as an Evaluator Senior Director in both the 552 Air Control Group and the 552 Air Control Group. 

Maj Caroline A. Hawkins

Maj Caroline A. Hawkins is an instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. Maj Hawkins is a 2006 distinguished graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where she received a BS in Electrical Engineering. She also has a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Florida, a Master of Business Administration from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College. A career Air Force Acquisitions officer, she has been assigned to Air Force Research Lab, Air Force Material Command Headquarters, and Special Operations Forces Acquisitions, Technology, and Logistics. 

Lt Col Jonathan Hawkins

Lt Col Jonathan Hawkins is an instructor in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. Lt Col Hawkins is a 2004 graduate of Western Kentucky University where he graduated with a MA in History. As an Field Artilleryman, he has served at all levels from platoon to Division staff, including multiple combat and operational deployments. Lt Col Hawkins most recently served as the DIVARTY Operation officer 25th Infantry Division, at Schofield Barracks Hawaii. 

Lt Col Ryan L. Reid

Lt Col Ryan L. Reid is an instructor in the Department of Warfighting and Deputy Course Director of War Theory at the Air Command and Staff College. Lt Col Reid is a 1998 graduate of the University of North Georgia where he graduated with a BS in Physics and was commissioned as a U.S. Army Logistics officer. He is a graduate of ACSC and SAASS Class XXI, holds an MBA and is currently pursuing his PhD in Public Administration and International Relations from Auburn University. He has served at all levels of leadership and staff from platoon through Division, including multiple combat and operational deployments. He served as the Strategic Logistics planner and Retrograde Chief for USFOR-A during the 2013 reduction of US forces from Afghanistan and most recently served four years as the Professor of Military Science of the Army ROTC Mustang Battalion at Auburn University Montgomery and Troy University. 

Dr. Christopher M. Stamper

Dr. Christopher M. Stamper is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. A retired U.S. Navy Commander, he has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Oceanography from the United States Naval Academy, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from Capella University, specializing in East African Affairs. He has been a flight instructor and taught at the US Naval Academy and the Air War College. 

Lt Col Morgan D. Mackey

Lt Col Morgan D. Mackey is an instructor in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College.  He serves as an Instructor for two academic courses.  Lt Col Mackey is a Weather Officer with career broadening experiences as a wing Inspector General, a Combat Aviation Advisor, and as a previous Air University faculty and staff member.  Most recent to his arrival at ACSC, he was the Air Combat Command Deputy Director, Weather Requirements Division, assigned to an operating location at Offutt AFB, NE.  He was commissioned in 1994 after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from the United States Air Force Academy, and he subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Meteorology from Texas A&M University in 1996. Lt Col Mackey is an ACSC in-residence graduate, where he earned a Master of Military Operational Art and Science in 2007.   

CDR Patrick C. Corcoran

CDR Patrick C. Corcoran is an instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. CDR Corcoran is a 1991 graduate of the Ohio State University where he received a BS in Business Administration. He also has an MBA from Liberty University and a MS in Strategic Studies from the Air War College. A career Naval Aviator, he has deployed in support of multiple contingency operations around the world. His staff tours include assignments at Naval Space Command, Joint Forces Command, and U.S. Navy Central Command. He has completed overseas assignments to Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, and Pakistan. 

Lt Col Ryan W. White 

Lt Col Ryan W. White is an instructor in the Department of Joint Warfighting at the Air Command and Staff College. He serves as an Instructor for two academic courses. Lt Col White is an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with command experience. Prior to his arrival at ACSC, he was the Deputy Group Commander for the 100^th Maintenance Group at RAF Mildenhall.   He was commissioned in 1997 after receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Troy State University, and he subsequently earned a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2007.  Lt Col White is an ACSC in-residence graduate, where he earned a Master of Military Operational Art and Science in 2011. 

Major Steven E. Alsop

Major Steven E. Alsop is an instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College.  A U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Officer and Expeditionary Reconnaissance Officer, he completed the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB in 2016.  Major Alsop has served in a variety of positions from Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Battalion Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer throughout his 16 year career. His assignments include 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, 5th ANGLICO, Marine Corps Det. Ft Benning GA, 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, and 2d Reconnaissance Battalion. He has multiple operational deployments in command positions across the CENTCOM and PACOM AOR. 

CDR Keith A. Henderson

CDR Keith A. Henderson is an instructor in the Joint Warfighting Department at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama. CDR Henderson is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he received a BS in Political Science. He also has an MA in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College and an MS in Joint Campaign Planning from National Defense University. A career Naval Aviator, he has deployed in support of multiple contingency operations around the world. His staff tours include assignments at U.S. Africa Command, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. 

Department of Leadership

The Department of Leadership (DEL) is made up of civilian and military faculty from across the joint force and includes officers from our nation’s allies. Faculty within the department are responsible for teaching, research, and service. The Leadership Department is responsible for one core course and the Leadership Experience Conference (LEDx). In the Leadership course students have the opportunity to hone their personal leadership philosophies, and prepare for future command and staff responsibilities.  LEDx provides various real-world examples of the perils and possibilities of leadership inherent in complex, dynamic and ambiguous operational environments.

Colonel (Ret) J. William "Bill" DeMarco 

Colonel J. William "Bill" DeMarco, USAF (Ret), serves as the Chair and Dean of Education Leadership Department, and Professor of Leadership Studies, Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Maxwell AFB, Alabama. His Leadership and Command experiences include command at the squadron, group, and region level, as well as serving as ACSC’s 44th Commandant. Bill is an adjunct professor with Auburn University in Leadership. He served as a National Security Affairs Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution and is a fellow at The Judge Business School, Cambridge University, England, as well as a senior associate with GiANT Worldwide leadership consulting. He also contributes as a leadership consultant for the National WWII Museum’s Corporate Leadership Academy in New Orleans, LA. He is board member for the 100th Bomb Group Foundation and an advisor to Gen-Pol a European think tank focused on gender and policy. A command pilot having qualified in five different weapons systems (C-23A, C-12F, C-141B, KC-10A, and the KC-135R), he holds three masters degrees and is a graduate of the USAF’s School of Advanced Air and Space Studies).

Lt Col Jason M. Newcomer, D.B.A.  

Lt Col Jason M. Newcomer, D.B.A. is the Deputy Department Chair and an Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies in the Department of Leadership at the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He is a career Airfield Operations Officer (13M) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Leadership and Aeronautics with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) where he chairs graduate thesis committees and teaches graduate leadership, management, and aeronautics courses. He also has numerous publications and editorial board positions in leadership, management, and aviation. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University specializing in leadership, a Masters in Military Operational Art and Science from ACSC, a Masters and Bachelors of Science in Aeronautics from ERAU, and an Associate of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force.

Dr. Mary L. Bartlett  

Dr. Mary L. Bartlett serves as Associate Professor of Leadership Studies for the Air University Air Command and Staff College. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Auburn University, and her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Maryland. She is an international speaker and published author on the research topics of suicide and resilience. Dr. Bartlett is credentialed as a Nationally Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Family Life Educator, a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Certified Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Certified Trainer, and Master Trainer for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. With 20 years of teaching and clinical experience, her primary focus is on integrating human domain topics across all aspects of Air Force Professional Military Education, and has worked at Air University since 2015; prior to that, she served as a mental health consultant and trainer for Department of Defense Leadership.

Dr. Paul Johstono

Dr. Paul Johstono is Associate Professor of Leadership Studies at the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), in Montgomery, AL. Prior to joining ACSC in January 2019, he was Associate Professor for History of Warfare at The Citadel, in Charleston, SC. Dr. Johstono received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Furman University in Greenville, SC (2005), and a Master’s Degree (2008) and Ph.D. (2012) in History from Duke University. His articles on popular political organization and violence in antiquity have appeared in Ancient History Bulletin and Archiv fϋr Papyrusforschung, and chapters on ancient insurgency and the impacts of military defeat on warrior classes and military institutions have appeared in volumes of the Brill Companion series on War in the Ancient Mediterranean. He is on the editorial board for the Brill series on War in World History. He is completing his manuscript on the military history of Ptolemaic Egypt, and developing projects on leadership in ancient warfare.

Lt Col John Isacco  

Lt Col John Isacco is an instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University's Air Command and Staff College.  He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Oklahoma University and a Master's Degree in Operations Analysis from the Air Force Institute of Technology.  Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Isacco commanded the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron at Kadena AB, Japan, where he led 95 personnel across 26 AFSCs in supporting deployed RC/WC-135 operations.  Lt Col Isacco is a Command Pilot with more than 3,500 hours in E-3, RC-135 and trainer aircraft, including over 900 combat hours during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

Lt Col Carolyn Cruz 

Lt Col Carolyn Cruz is an instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College and serves as the Department Director of Staff. Carolyn is a developmental engineer within the acquisition career field. Her experiences include research and development of directed energy technologies, test and evaluation of various platforms/weapons systems, and engineering management of radar systems and technologies within various MAJCOMs and National Agencies. Carolyn deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, PR; a Master’s of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL; and a Master's Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL. 

Lt Col Thomas Moore

Lt Col Thomas Moore is an instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University's Air Command and Staff College and Course Director for the Leadership and Command Course.  He holds an advanced academic degree with Honors from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.  Prior to his current assignment, Lt Col Moore was the Commander of the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, where he directed a 172-person squadron responsible for the operational Electronic Warfare capability of $15B in resources installed on Combat Air Force aircraft.  Lt Col Moore is a Master Navigator with more than 2,000 hours in both fighter and trainer aircraft, including over 500 combat hours during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Chaplain, Lt Col Richard "Rick" Steen

Chaplain, Lt Col Richard “Rick” Steen is an instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC (1998), a Master of Divinity from The Master’s University and Seminary in Sun Valley, CA (2003), and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science from Air University (2019). Prior to ACSC, Lt Col Steen served 14 years as a staff chaplain and Wing Chaplain at the 134th Air Refueling Wing, an Air National Guard Wing in Knoxville, Tennessee. Additionally, Lt Col Steen has served as Deputy Wing Chaplain, and a Clinical Pastoral Resident at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Major Robert Shannon 

Major Robert Shannon is an instructor and current Air University Fellow in the Department of Leadership at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. Maj Shannon graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Prior to ACSC, Maj Shannon was the Commander of the 30th Contracting Squadron. He has held numerous acquisition-related positions to include holding an Unlimited Contracting Officers Warrant at the ICBM Systems Directorate. In 2010, he was selected for the Space and Missile Acquisition Exchange program and became an ICBM Missile Combat Crew Member, Commander, and Instructor. In 2009 he deployed in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, directly supporting the 3rd Infantry Division. Maj Shannon received his commission from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2006. He has a Masters from Air University in Military Operational Art and Science, a Masters from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Aeronautical Science, and a Bachelors of Business from the University of Alaska.

Lt Col Ben Jacobson

Lt Col Ben Jacobson is an instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University's Air Command and Staff College and Deputy Course Director for the Leadership and Command Course. He is a core Security Forces officer, three-time squadron commander, and graduate of Air Command and Staff College. Lt Col Jacobson’s previous assignment was at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base Virginia, where he served as the MAJCOM Deputy Chief of Security Forces. Ben is married to Lt Col Angela Jacobson, USAF.

Major Adam G. Miles

Major Adam G. Miles is an Air University Fellow and instructor in the Leadership Department at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020.  Prior to ACSC, Maj Miles was a U-28 Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Wing Plans, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Florida.  He has also served as the 1st SOW Chief Wing Executive Officer and 1st SOG Chief of U-28 Standardization and Evaluations.  Maj Miles received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Oregon State University (2008) and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma (2015) and a Master’s Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University (2020). 

Major Shawn West

Major Shawn West is an instructor and an Air University Fellow in the Department of Leadership at the Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. He is a 17D Cyber/Communications officer in the USAF and has served in a variety of leadership roles in the AF as well as within other government agencies; most recently as a Detachment Commander.  As a life-long student of leadership, he studies leaders and leadership skills to hone his craft and be better prepared for future leadership opportunities; at work or home. 

Major Nicole Handy

Major Nicole Handy is an instructor and current Air University Fellow in the Department of Leadership at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College. Nicole is a UH-1N pilot. She has worked as an aircraft maintenance officer, operational tester, and Air Force Global Strike Command instructor pilot. She received a Bachelor’s of Science in basic science from the United States Air Force Academy and a Master’s of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University. Nicole is a recent graduate from Air Command and Staff College

Major Steve Brenoskie

Major Steve Brenoskie is an Air University Fellow and instructor in the Department of Leadership at Air University's Air Command and Staff College. Steve is a Security Forces officer and graduated commander with experience across multiple MAJCOMs and 3 deployments. Steve has experience leading small and large teams performing law enforcement, security, and combat operations both CONUS and OCONUS. He also has experience teaching Criminal Justice at the undergraduate level as an adjunct professor for Aspen University and Central Texas College. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from West Chester University of Pennsylvania ('06), a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Aspen University ('13), and a Master of Military Operational Art & Science from Air University (ACSC AY20).

Major Frank "Derek" Cumbie

Major Frank "Derek" Cumbie is an Air University Fellow and Instructor at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and graduated from ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Prior to ACSC, Maj Cumbie was a UH-1N Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Group Training, 58th Operations Group, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He has served as the 1st Helicopter Squadron's Chief of Standardizations and Evaluations as well as the 11th Wing Flight Safety Officer. Major Cumbie graduated with a BS in Management from the United States Air Force Academy and has received a MS in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Dr. Daniel A. Connelly

Dr. Daniel A. Connelly is Assistant Professor in the Department of Leadership at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College.  He is a retired U.S. Air Force intelligence officer whose background includes operational tours at headquarters and flying unit echelons and deployments to Southwest and Far East Asia. He teaches courses in International Security, Leadership Studies, Air Power Theory, the Just War Tradition, Russian Studies and Educational Methodology.  He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Auburn University, and Master’s Degrees in Strategic Intelligence and Russian Culture. He has published on topics ranging from leadership theory to higher education to Former Soviet Union affairs, and has participated in multiple empirical investigations related to these topics. Previously, Dan served as Dean of Academic Affairs at Squadron Officer College.

Department of Research

The Department of Research and Electives facilitates faculty and student research, electives, and publications. The department organizes and executes the ACSC electives program which in AY20 offered over 140 courses taught by over 80 faculty members. The department also conducts the ACSC Faculty Research Focal Program which provides the necessary time for faculty members to complete long-term research projects nearing publication. Finally, the department promotes student and faculty research within the journal and publishing house community to bring the research to publication and to advance fields of study.

Dr. Paul J. Springer

Dr. Paul J. Springer is a Professor of Comparative Military Studies and the Chair of the Department of Research at ACSC. He holds a PhD in history from Texas A&M University; an MA in history from the University of Northern Iowa; and a BS in Psychology from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the ACSC faculty, he taught at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Texas A&M University. He teaches courses on War Theory, Leadership, Airpower, Strategy, Military History, Military Command, and Terrorism. He is the author or editor of 12 books in print, with another 4 in progress and scheduled for publication in 2020. His most prominent works include America’s Captives: Treatment of POWs from the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror and Outsourcing War to Machines: The Military Robotic Revolution. He is a senior fellow of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, and the series editor for the History of Military Aviation and Transforming War series, both with the U.S. Naval Institute Press.

Dr. Lisa L. Beckenbaugh  

Dr. Lisa L. Beckenbaugh is the Research Department Deputy Chair and Electives Course Director at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). Dr. Beckenbaugh received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. Cloud State University and her PhD from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Beckenbaugh has taught at a variety of undergraduate and graduate civilian institutions. Last year her book, The Versailles Treaty: A Documentary and Reference Guide for ABC-CLIO, was published. Dr. Beckenbuagh also serves as the faculty advisor for the Gathering of Eagles elective and has edited three of their recently published books, Leading Airpower into the 21st Century: Stories of Courage, Innovation, and Resiliency, Spirit of the Storm: A Collection of Interviews from the Gulf War Era, and Soaring Above: Stories of Leadership, Heroism, and Overcoming Adversity. Dr. Beckenbaugh’s current research is on the 1st MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), later redesignated 8209th MASH, during the Korean War.

Research Interest/Expertise: Oral History, American POWs, World War II, Women in Combat, Battlefield Medicine, and MASH Units in the Korean War.

Lt Col Steven Quillman  

Lt Col Steven Quillman is an Instructor of Joint Warfare, Director of Staff for the Department of Research and Deputy Director of Electives at Air University’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).  Lt Col Quillman graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Touro University International.  Lt Col Quillman has published multiple entries in Conflict in the Middle East: An Encyclopedia of Civil War, Revolutions and Regime Change (ABC-CLIO, 2020), The Encyclopedia of Cyber Warfare (ABC-CLIO, 2017), and Russia at War (ABC-CLIO, 2015).  Lt Col Quillman co-teaches a course on irregular warfare from 1830 to the present.  Lt Col Quillman previous experiences include propulsion engineer with the C-17, C-130J, and F-22A, weapons integration engineer with the F-16, Education with Industry tour with National Institute of Aerospace, aircraft battle damage assessor for Joint Combat Assessment Team, and as a program manager with AOC System Program Office.                      

Research Interest/Expertise: World War Two Airpower; Combined Bomber Offensive; 305th Bomb Group; Irregular Warfare; Office of Special Operations in SE Asia;  Special Operations in Rhodesia; and  Native American campaigns.         

Dr. Brent D. Ziarnick  

Dr. Brent D. Ziarnick is an Assistant Professor of National Security Studies at the Air University’s Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.  Dr. Ziarnick is a command space operations officer in the Air Force Reserve with extensive experience in Global Positioning System (GPS), space-based space domain awareness, offensive space control, and theater space command and control operations.  In civilian life he was a launch operations engineer at Spaceport America, New Mexico where he developed the long-range plan for the world’s first purpose-built inland commercial spaceport’s vertical launch activity.  He holds doctorates in economic development from New Mexico State University and military strategy from Air Univeristy, a master’s degree in space systems engineering from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, a bachelor’s degree in space operations from the United States Air Force Academy, and is a graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.  Dr. Ziarnick is the author of two books and multiple articles on space power theory and strategy.

Lt Col Paul Clemans  

Lt Col Paul Clemans is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Research at the Air Command and Staff College. He earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History from Florida State University in December 2019. His previous educational experience includes a M.A. in Operations Research and a B.S. in Marine Engineering. Lt Col Clemans has served as an acquisitions officer on various programs including the Airborne Laser, the Integrated Maintenance Data System, and the Distributed Common Ground System. He career-broadened into operations research leading to assignments with AETC/A5, the 438^th Air Expeditionary Wing, and the International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan. Lt Col Clemans has since instructed various seminars at Air Command and Staff College including Airpower, Leadership, Joint Warfare, Blue Horizons, and Small Wars. His research interests include the history of Afghanistan, the history of the U.S. transportation business, and the U.S. defense industry. His dissertation explored the relationship between commercial U.S. businesses, government policies, and military readiness prior to the Second World War. He continues his research into the subject with the intent of publishing its refinement.

Dr Jonathan K. Zartman   Dr. Jonathan K. Zartman is an associate professor of international security studies in the Department of Research at Air Command and Staff College. He received his Ph. D. in 2004 from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of International Studies. He taught at the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages in Samarkand, Uzbekistan as a Fulbright Fellow (2005-2006). He has also received a David L. Boren Fellowship for language study and research in Dushanbe, Tajikistan at the Technological University of Tajikistan (2000-2001). He has taught at the University of Northern Colorado, and Metropolitan State College of Denver. He teaches the International Security Studies-1 & 2 in the core curriculum, and electives on the Modern Middle East, Resisting Iranian Aggression, and the Politics of Islamic Struggle. He is the editor of Conflict in the Modern Middle East: An Encyclopedia of War, Revolution and Regime Change. He has also written “Using Historical Islamic Sources to Promote Ethical Character.” Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization 8, No. 2 (Fall 2018); “Negotiation, Exclusion and Durable Peace” International Negotiation 13 (2008); and "Transition and Vulnerability Management in Uzbekistan" Journal of Central Asian Studies III, No.2. (1999). He is editing a book of Tajik history titled Two Tajik Heroes by Saddridin Aini. The main focus of his work promotes understanding of indigenous cultural identity in the service of building peace.

Department of Joint Education

Joint All Domain Strategist was formerly Multi Domain Operational Strategist (MDOS) is an AETC award winning program for innovation in multi domain operations and joint warfighting.  It is a year-long, advanced level course focusing on developing future leaders who understand how to employ multi domain operational maneuver to counter emerging threats.  This concentration prepares selected students for operational and command assignments requiring cutting-edge knowledge of planning and operations. Students study and apply strategic and operational design, the joint operations planning process, reflexive control, decision making theory, and risk analysis.  Additionally, students participate in exercises and wargames with German and Polish War Colleges, as well as the Doolittle Wargame Series.  Post-graduation approximately 40% of MDOS students attend SAASS, SAMS or SAW, 10% are selected for command, and 50% receive operational-level assignments.

Dr. Jeffery M. Reilly, Col, USA (Retired)

Dr. Jeffery M. Reilly, Col, USA (Retired) is the Chairman of the Department of Joint Education at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and Director of the Multi Domain Operational Strategist Concentration. Dr. Reilly is a retired Army officer with 26 years of active-duty service. He began his service as a draftee and served 28 consecutive months in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. His theater-level planning and operations experience includes serving as a theater level combined and joint operations officer, plans division chief, and member of the Secretary of Defense’s “two major theater war” plans team. Dr. Reilly received his MA from the University of Houston and his PhD from the University of Alabama. He is an adjunct faculty member for the NATO School’s Operational Planning Course, a speaker at the USAF Weapons Instructor Course, and a member of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s Military Education Coordination Council Working Group. Dr. Reilly has also given a number of presentations at international defense colleges including: the Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr, in Hamburg, Germany, the Royal Danish Defense College in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Ethiopian Defense Staff College in Addis Ababa and the Polish National Defense University in Warsaw. Additionally, he conducted research on design in Afghanistan during 2010, 2011, and 2012 and on the future of C4ISR in Iraq and Africa during 2016. He is the author of Operational Design: Distilling Clarity from Complexity for Decisive Action. His most recent article What’s After Joint? concerning multi domain operations was published in the March 2016 edition of the Air and Space Power Journal. In 2018, he won the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) award for innovation in multi domain and joint warfighting abilities.

Research Interest/Expertise: Multi Domain Operations, Strategic Design, Operational Design, C4ISR, Operational Planning, International Relations, Irregular Warfare, Future Security Threats.

Mr. Budd A. Jones

Budd A. Jones is an Assistant Professor and Course Director for the Multi Domain Operational Strategist concentration at the Air Command and Staff College. He received his M.A. in history from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1986. He is currently working on his Ph.D. in the history of technology at Auburn University. While on active duty in the Air Force he flew fighter aircraft and worked as an operational level air and joint planner. He also served as the Director of Military History at the Air Force Academy. Following his retirement he joined the ACSC faculty in 1996 and has taught courses on military theory, airpower history, international relations and security studies and operational air and joint planning. His research interests include the development of night fighting technology and its impact on training and operations.

Research Interest/Expertise: Multi Domain Operations, Strategic Design, Military Theory, Clausewitz Studies.

Dr. Jared R. Donnelly

Dr. Jared R. Donnelly is an Assistant Professor of Military and Security Studies and the Director of Staff for the Department of Joint Education at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College. As part of the Department of Future Security Studies faculty, Dr. Donnelly teaches in the Multi Domain Operational Strategist (MDOS) Concentration. Dr. Donnelly received his PhD from Texas A&M University and was previously on the faculty of the International Affairs Department at the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service. Dr. Donnelly is Editor-in-Chief of the digital journal Over the Horizon, which publishes articles on the future security environment. Donnelly's research focuses on war and social change in Germany and Europe with a specific interest in the period since 1945. Additionally he studies strategic design for future security environments and conducts research on the future of C4ISR. In addition to teaching courses in the MDOS curriculum, he offers elective classes on the rise and fall of Nazi Germany and German military history.

Research Interest/Expertise: Modern Europe, Modern Germany, European War and Society, Nazi Germany, Multi Domain Operations, Strategic Design.

Wing Commander Jaime Meighan, RAF

Wing Commander Jaime Meighan, RAF currently serves as the UK advisor to Commandant of the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College and is an Instructor in the Department of Joint Education and an adjunct instructor at the USAF Cyber College. As an Instructor in the Department of Future Security Studies, Wg Cdr Meighan teaches courses in the Multi Domain Operational Strategist Concentration. He holds a BA with Honor's in History and Film from the University of London, an MA in Leadership from Exeter University and an MSc in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. He is a graduate of ACSC FY18. Meighan is an Intelligence Officer, whose service has principally been in the ISR, Targeting and Operational planning fields. He joined the Royal Air Force in 2000 and has deployed to Bosnia, the Falkland Islands, Iraq and Afghanistan in support of UK and coalition operations. He has 1,000 hrs as Msn Crew on the MQ-9 Reaper and prior to attending Air Command and Staff College spent 2.5 years as an Exchange Officer within the ISR Division at United States Central Command commanding a team of 50 U.S. military, civilian and contractors.

Research Interest/Expertise: Multi Domain Operations, British Airpower History, Innovation and Cyber Application, ISR and Targeting.

Major John Barringer, USAF

Major John Barringer, USAF is an academic instructor for the Multi-Domain Operational Strategist (MDOS) concentration and Air University Fellow at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC). He has a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in homeland security from Pennsylvania State University. He served on staff at Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) headquarters as the Chief of AC-130 Aircrew Training where he led operational training policy development for AFSOC’s 19,000 person and 248 aircraft combat force. Maj Barringer is a graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School and has been an evaluator navigator and evaluator fire control officer (FCO) on the AC-130H and AC-130U. He has over 2,100 hours and 992 combat hours. In addition to teaching the Leadership, War Theory, International Security, Airpower, and Joint Warfighting courses, Maj Barringer is also a senior editor for Over the Horizon (OTH) digital journal. He has been published in OTH and the United States Air Force’s Weapons Review.

Research Interest/Expertise: Multi Domain Operations, World War II, Leadership, Middle-Eastern studies, Human Psychology.

Major Paul Sheehey, USAF

Major Paul Sheehey, USAF is an academic instructor for the Multi-Domain Operational Strategist (MDOS) concentration and Air University Fellow at Air Command and Staff College (ACSC).He has a MS in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and is a graduate of ACSC. His 12 years of military experience includes 5 deployments, over 1200 flight hours as an HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue Evaluator Pilot and Weapons officer. Major Sheehey’s last operational assignment was with the 56th Rescue Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, UK where he served as the Director of Operations. In addition to teaching the War Theory, International Security, Airpower, and Joint Warfighting core courses for MDOS, Major Sheehey is also a Senior Editor for Over the Horizon (OTH) digital journal. His current research interests include future risk assessment methods in the age of AI and machine learning, and is currently working on a chapter to an edited volume on Operation Inherent Resolve covering USAF Personnel Recovery operations during the campaign.

Research Interest/Expertise: Multi Domain Operations, Future Operational Risk Assessments, Personnel Recovery/CSAR.

Department of Space Power

The Department of Spacepower is home of the Schriever Space Scholars program, a rigorous year-long immersion for developing space strategists. The program is the nation’s first space-centric military developmental education opportunity for interagency, international and joint military members as well as future U.S. Space Force leaders. The department’s purpose is threefold: to build a core of skilled space domain strategists who will serve as key leaders, advocates and advisors to warfighting commanders and national leadership; explore the operational implications of space as a warfighting domain; and serve as a mechanism to infuse the best of operational and strategic space thought into the core Air Command and Staff College curriculum and across Air University. As part of their studies, Schriever Space Scholars participate in space war games, meet with senior leaders and experts throughout the U.S. national space enterprise, and produce a personal research capstone project to present to U.S. Space Force leaders at the culmination of their studies.

Dr. Andrea Harrington

Dr. Andrea Harrington currently serves as Chair of Department of Spacepower and Director of Schriever Space Scholars. Dr. Harrington previously served on the faculty of the University of Mississippi School of Law as the Associate Director of the LLM Program in Air and Space Law. She has also served as Associate Chair for the Policy, Economics, and Law Department of the International Space University’s Space Studies Program.  Dr. Harrington was an Erin J.C. Arsenault Fellow in Space Governance at the McGill University Institute of Air and Space Law (IASL), where her doctoral research focused on insurance and liability issues for the commercial space industry. Dr. Harrington holds a DCL and LLM in Air and Space Law from the McGill IASL, as well as a JD from the University of Connecticut School of Law, an MSc in European Politics and Governance from the London School of Economics, and a BA in International Relations and History from Boston University. She is a licensed attorney in Massachusetts. 

Research Interest/Expertise: Space Law and Policy, International Law, International Relations, Treaty Interpretation, Aviation Law, Modern European History and Politics

Dr. Everett Carl Dolman

Dr. Everett Carl Dolman is Professor of Comparative Military Studies in the Department of Spacepower and Schriever Space Scholars faculty at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College. His focus is on international relations and theory, and he has been identified as Air University’s first space theorist. Dr. Dolman began his career as an intelligence analyst for the National Security Agency, and moved to the United States Space Command in 1986. In 1991, he received the Director of Central Intelligence’s Outstanding Intelligence Analyst award. Dr. Dolman received his PhD in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995. He then taught international relations and international political economy at The College of William & Mary, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and Berry College before taking his current position at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. Dr. Dolman received the Air Force’s Educator of the Year Award for 2003/04. His published works include Astropolitik: Classical Geopolitics in the Space Age (2002); The Warrior State: How Military Organization Structures Politics (2004), Pure Strategy: Power and Principle in the Information Age (2005), and Can Science End War? (2015). He has written numerous book chapters as well as articles for the Journal of Strategic Studies, Comparative Strategy, Strategic Studies Quarterly, Journal of Small Wars and Insurgencies, Soviet and Post-Soviet Review, Citizenship Studies, Politics and Society, Journal of Political and Military Sociology, and The Air and Space Power Review. Dr. Dolman is also co-founder and editor emeritus of Astropolitics: The International Journal of Space Power and Policy and editor of Routledge’s Space Power and Politics book series.

Research Interest/Expertise: Military Strategy, Space and Cyber Power, Civil-Military Relations, Intelligence, Military Theory and Philosophy.

Dr. M.V. "Coyote" Smith

Dr. M.V. “Coyote” Smith, Colonel, USAF (Retired) is an associate professor in the Schriever Scholars program at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College.  He retired from active duty in August 2016 as a command space operations officer serving as a professor of strategic space studies at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.  He has served in various flying, space, and missile assignments and as an instructor at the USAF Weapons School.  During Operation Allied Force (Kosovo) he served as a strategist and targeting officer on Lt General Michael Short's staff at the Air Component headquarters at Dal Molin Air Base in Vicenza, Italy.  During Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), he served at USCENTCOM Headquarters as a strategist on General Tommy Frank’s staff.  He later served as the chief air and space power strategist on the Pentagon’s Strategic Planning Council during Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing advice to the Joint Staff and the Secretary of Defense.  He is the author of Ten Propositions Regarding Spacepower, and the article “America Needs a US Space Corps,” which triggered Congressional and Presidential interest in an independent space service.

Research Interest/Expertise:  All things spacepower; independent space service, space deterrence, space warfare, space control, space commerce, space law enforcement, off-Earth settlement, advanced space technologies, future space concepts, and dinosaurs, because space and dinosaurs are cool!

Dr. Brent D. Ziarnick  

Dr. Brent D. Ziarnick is an Assistant Professor of  Spacepower and Schriever Space Scholars faculty at the Air University’s Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.  Dr. Ziarnick is a command space operations officer in the Air Force Reserve with extensive experience in Global Positioning System (GPS), space-based space domain awareness, offensive space control, and theater space command and control operations.  In civilian life he was a launch operations engineer at Spaceport America, New Mexico where he developed the long-range plan for the world’s first purpose-built inland commercial spaceport’s vertical launch activity.  He holds doctorates in economic development from New Mexico State University and military strategy from Air Univeristy, a master’s degree in space systems engineering from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, a bachelor’s degree in space operations from the United States Air Force Academy, and is a graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.  Dr. Ziarnick is the author of two books and multiple articles on space power theory and strategy.

Major Brian P. Elliott

Major Brian P. Elliott is an Air University Fellow and Instructor in the Schriever Space Scholars Concentration at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020. Prior to ACSC, Maj Elliott was a C-146 Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Squadron Standardization and Evaluation office, 524th Special Operations Squadron, Duke Field, Florida. He has also served as an Assistant Director of Operations as well as the 27th Special Operations Wing Inspector General Director of Inspections. His most recent deployment was as the commander of the Joint Special Operations Detachment—Singapore. Maj Elliott graduated with a BS in Meteorology from the United States Air Force Academy and has received a MS in Engineering Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a MS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air University. 
 

Research Interest/Expertise: Space weather, spacepower and military strategy, astronomy,
Space commerce and philosophy. 

Major Kenneth Scholz

Major Ken Scholz is an Air University Fellow, Instructor and Deputy of the Schriever Space Scholars Concentration at the United States Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College. He graduated from the ACSC In-Residence program in June 2020.  Maj Scholz is a Public Affairs Officer with Headquarters Air Force staff experience at the Pentagon and deployments to Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan.  At these assignments he served as an executive officer, deployments manager, press desk officer, wing public affairs chief, provincial reconstruction public affairs officer and deputy director of public affairs for AFCENT. He graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Portland and earned a MA in Communication and Media Studies at George Mason University.

Research Interest/Expertise: Spacepower strategy, strategic messaging, organizational communication, rhetoric, future space concepts, and military history and theory.

Capt Matthew Nedved  

Captain Matthew Nedved is the Director of Operations of the Schriever Space Scholars, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. He is a Space Operations officer who has previous experience at the squadron and group levels operating, training, and evaluating officer and enlisted Military Satellite Communications operators. His prior assignments include Extremely High Frequency Satellite Systems Officer, Chief of Training for Mobile Operations and Crew Commander while in the 4th Space Operations Squadron, as well as Staff Evaluator and Standardizations Branch Chief for the 50th Operations Group. Captain Nedved graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University. 

Research Interest/Expertise: Military Satellite Communications, Mobile Space Operations and the United States Space Force.

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