Department of Leadership and Warfighting

Published Nov. 20, 2019
Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL

Department of Leadership and Warfighting

The Department of Leadership and Warfighting teaches three core courses: 1) Strategic Leadership; 2) Global Campaigning; and 3) Airpower, Space, Cyber Power in the Future. In the Strategic Leadership course, students analyze fundamental concepts, logic, and analytical frameworks used in the development and application of leadership at the senior level in a joint environment. Next, in the Global Campaigning course, students assess and develop Globally Integrated Joint Campaigns and Operations against a strategic competitor, leveraging the Joint Doctrinal problem solving/framing processes of Operational Design and the Joint Planning Process. Finally, in the Airpower course, students examine how joint airpower, as a part of a joint, multi-domain, and multinational force, intends to innovate to prepare for the challenges of conflict in the future across the range of military operations -- to include special emphasis on the employment and sustainment of Air, Space and Cyberspace forces.

Mr. William (Bill) Lewis, Colonel, USAF (ret.), Department Chair
Advising and Research Interests: Emerging technologies, strategic planning, fighter/bomber/Remotely Piloted Aircraft planning and operations, command and control, multi-domain operations/joint all-domain operations, airpower history, directed energy, swarming technologies, and cyber, space and fighter aircraft in historic operations.
Degrees: Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College, Master of Airpower Art and Science from the School of Advance Air and Space Studies, Master of Military Operational Art from Air Command and Staff College, Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy.
Experience: Mr. Bill Lewis is the Department Chair for the Department of Leadership and Warfighting, an Assistant Professor of Leadership and Warfighting, and serves on the Airpower Research Task Force. Experience includes various command and combat school and staff assignments: 44^th Fighter Squadron Commander, Director Pacific AOC Strategy Division, Asia Pacific Center Executive Course, Command and Control Warrior Advanced Course, Contingency Warfighter Planners Course, USAF Enterprise Leadership Seminar, 2008-2010: Division Chief, The Joint Staff; 2010-2012: 48^th Fighter Wing Vice Commander; and 2012-2016: Chief of Staff, USAF in Europe and Africa.
Flight Information: Various flying assignments accumulating over 3,500 flying hours including over 2,500 in the F-15 with 250 combat hours.
Email: william.lewis.59@au.af.edu

Col Timothy A. Goodroe, USAF, Deputy Department Chair, Strategic Leadership Course Director, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Missile defense; nuclear strategy/deterrence; Alliance and partner engagement, development, and support; international relations; military recruiting and retention.
Research Interests: Future of nuclear deterrence; development and application of Integrated Air and Missile Defense systems; NATO and Alliances/Partnerships; race in the military.
Degrees: MA Strategic Studies, Air War College; MA National Security Studies, Naval Postgraduate School; MA Curriculum and Instruction, Colorado Christian University.
Experience: 2020-2021, Commander, Education Support Squadron, Maxwell AFB, AL; 2018-2020, Commander, 360th Recruiting Group, New Cumberland, PA; 2015-2018, Chief, Missile Defense Division, EUCOM J-5/8, Patch Barracks, DE; 2014-15, Student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL; 2012-2014, Commander, 333rd Recruiting Squadron, Patrick AFB, FL; 2009-2012, Defense Foreign Liaison Officer, Defense Intelligence Agency, Washington, D.C; 2007-2008, Student, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; 2005-2007, Chief, Congressional Communications and Executive Officer to the Director, SAF/LL, Pentagon; 2003-2005, Readiness Officer, Headquarters, USAF, Pentagon; 2000-2003, Space Instructor/Course Director, Det 1, 533rd Training Squadron, Schriever AFB, CO; 1999-2000, Space Control Officer, USSPACECOM/AFSPC, Cheyenne Mountain AS, CO; 1995-1999, Minuteman III Missile Launch Officer/Instructor, 742nd Missile Squadron/91st Operational Support Squadron, Minot AFB, ND.
Email: timothy.goodroe@au.af.edu

CAPT Casey B. Baker, USN, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Strategic leadership, Great Power competition in history and in modern times, Power Transition Theory in international relations, Sea Power in both modern warfare and applications historically.
Research Interests: Sea Power in both modern warfare and historical, Space Force development and Space Policy.
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies from Air War College, Master of Public Administration from Regent University, VA and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point.
Experience: May 2019–May 2020, Deputy Director Future Operations, Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain; Aug 2017–Dec 2019, Commanding Officer, USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99), Mayport, FL; Feb 2015–May 2017, Executive Officer, USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99), Mayport, FL; Jul 2014–May 2015, Student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL; Nov 2012–Jun 2014, Operations and Plans Officer (N3-5-7), Patrol Coastal Squadron One, Manama, Bahrain; May 2011–Jul 2012, Deputy Director and later Director of Tactical Document Media Exploitation Team - Afghanistan (TACDOMEX-A), Kabul, Afghanistan (as individual augmentee); Apr 2009–Nov 2012, J6 Joint Deployable Assessment Team (JDAT), Eglin AFB, FL. Jan 2007-Dec 2008, N4 Destroyer Squadron TWO SIX, Norfolk VA.
Email: casey.baker.2@au.af.edu

Lt Col Kathleen Crimmins, USAF, Director, Executive Leader Feedback Program
Advising Interests: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Human Performance, Resilience, and Suicide Prevention Research
Interests: Suicide Prevention, Resilience, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.
Degrees: PhD Clinical Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, MS, Clinical Psychology, University of South Alabama; BA, Psychology, Auburn University.
Experience: Chief of Mental Health Services; Geilenkirchen NATO Base, Geilenkirchen, GE; Suicide Prevention Program Manager, HAF/SG, Falls Church, VA; Mental Health Flight Commander Kadena AB, Japan; Mental Health Flight Commander, Luke AFB, AZ; Staff Psychologist Maxwell AFB, AL; Internship, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland, AFB, TX.
Email: kathleen.crimmins@au.af.edu

Col Aaron Cunningham, USMC
Advising and Research Interests: Planning and Campaigning - Joint Operations - environmental factors influence on leadership - ethics - organizational command climate.
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies, Air War College; Master of Operational Studies, USMC School of Advanced Warfighting.
Experience: Planner at the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), and Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) level and at USEUCOM J5 as the Deputy Chief of Plans. Participated in humanitarian, contingency, and combat operations as an infantry platoon, company, and battalion commander. 2019-2020, G3 / Director of Operations-Training and Education Command; 2017-2019, Deputy Director MAGTF Staff Training Program; 2015-2017, Deputy Chief of Plans, USEUCOM J5; 2012-2014, Infantry Battalion Commander 2/6; 2011-2012, Planner II MEB / MEF; 2009-2010, Director-USMC Infantry Officer Course.
Email: aaron.cunningham.4@au.af.edu

CAPT Steve Dradzynski, USN, US Navy Advisor to Air University, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: WW1 & WW2 Military History and Campaigns; Soviet Union/Russia/Europe Conflict/Competition/Cooperation; Strategic Leadership and Thinking; Nuclear Command and Control / Warfare; Naval Aviation; Maritime Strategy; Training; Cyber Operations.
Degrees: MS Strategic Studies, National War College; MA National Security, Naval War College; BS Quantitative Methods in Management, Oakland University.
Experience: 30+ year military career beginning in the Michigan Army National Guard as a TOW Missile Gunner then as a Naval Flight Officer serving aboard the A-6E Intruder and E-6B TACAMO aircraft. Various sea and staff assignments with highlights being Commander, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7); Naval Forces Chief of Staff and Liaison Officer to U.S. Central Command; Operations Officer, Strategic Communications Wing One; Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) Communications Officer, U.S. Strategic Command; and Readiness Officer/Flag Aide, Commander, Naval Air Forces.
Email: steven.dradzynski@au.af.edu

Lt Col Hugh E. Gardenier, USAF, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Military strategy and operations, acquisitions, contemporary and historic airpower, military technology and innovation, deterrence strategy, civilian-military relations.
Degrees: MA Military History, Ohio State University; Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College; MS Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology; MBA, Wright State University; BS Engineering Mechanics, US Air Force Academy.
Experience: Associate Dean, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL; Director of Operations, 387 Air Expeditionary Squadron, Ali Al Salem AB, Kuwait; Instructor, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL; Section Chief, Early Systems Engineering, Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division, Joint Base San Antonio, TX; Detachment Commander, Joint Base San Antonio, TX; Chief, Space COMSEC Plans and Programs, Joint Base San Antonio, TX; Program Manager, Space Control Technologies, Kirtland, AFB, NM; Deputy Branch Chief, Spacecraft Technologies, Kirtland AFB, NM; Lead Engineer, Symbiotic Structures, Kirtland AFB, NM; Bombers Trainers, Test Engineer, WPAFB, OH; Project Lead, Engine Reliability Program, WPAFB, OH.
Email: hugh.gardenier@au.af.edu

Dr. John P. Geis II, Colonel, USAF (ret.), Associate Professor, Airpower, Space, Cyber Power in the Future Course Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Airpower, Strategic Implications of Emerging Technology, Climate Issues, Long-range Strategic Planning, Foresight Analysis, Directed Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Swarming Technologies, and Additive Manufacturing.
Research Interests: Foresight Analysis, Asymmetric Conflict, Climate Change, Directed Energy, Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Swarming Technologies, International Relations.
Degrees: BS Meteorology, University of Wisconsin--Madison; Master of Political Science, Auburn University--Montgomery; Master of Strategic Studies Air War College; PhD Political Science, University of Wisconsin—Madison.
Experience: Chief Meteorologist, WISC-TV; F-111 Instructor WSO; T-43A Instructor Navigator; AC-130 FCO; Chief, Strategic Planning, Doctrine and Force Integration -- AFSOC; Director, Blue Horizons Program/Center for Strategy and Technology; Deputy Director & Chief of Research, Air Force Research Institute.
Email: john.geis.2@au.af.edu

Col David J. Gordon, USAF, Air Force Global Strike Chair, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Nuclear weapons, strategic deterrence, long-range strike, organizational leadership, and bomber operations.
Research Interests: Nuclear operations, strategic deterrence, organizational leadership.
Degrees: MA Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Louisiana Tech University; Master of Military Arts and Sciences, School of Advanced Military Studies; Master of Military Operational Arts and Science, Air Command and Staff College; Bachelor of Science, University of North Carolina - Charlotte.
Experience: 2020-2023, Inspector General, US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa; 2018-2020, Commander, 2d Operations Group, Barksdale AFB, LA; 2017-2018; Deputy Chief, Nuclear Operations Division, The Joint Staff, Pentagon; 2016-2017, Chief, Nuclear Policy and Surety Branch, United States European Command; 2015-2016, Air Force Fellow, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA; 2013-2015, Commander, 5th Operations Support Squadron, Minot AFB, ND.
Flight Information: Rating: Command Pilot; Flight Hours: 3400 (590 Combat); Aircraft Flown: B-52H, T-37, and T-38
Email: david.gordon@au.af.edu

LtCol Mike Graham, USMC, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Planning and campaigning, logistics support, environmental factors influence on leadership, organizational command climate, emotional intelligence.
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies, Air War College; Master of International Studies and Strategic Leadership, Naval War College; BS Information Systems and Information Technology, University of Idaho.
Experience: Artillery E1-E6 1991 to 2000, Marine Aircraft Group 39 Property officer 2001 to 2004 (Combat tour), Inspector Instructor Duty for Marine Forces Reserve 2004 to 2007, 1st Marine Division; Division Supply officer 2008 to 2010 (Combat tour), Commanding Officer HQ Company LogCom West 2010 to 2013, Regimental Operations Officer Combat Logistics Regiment 25 2014 to 2017, Field Supply Maintenance Analysis Office East OIC (HQMC Inspector) 2017 to 2019, Commanding Officer 1st Force Storage Battalion 2019 to 2021. Instructor at Air War College 2022 to present.
Email: micheal.r.graham.usmc@au.af.edu

Col Dustin M. Hart, USAF, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising/Research Interests: Strategic Leadership, Public Affairs, Strategic Communication, Information Operations, Recruiting and Retention, Disinformation and Propaganda.
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies from Air War College (2023), Master of National Security Studies from Naval War College (2015), Master of Business Administration from Webster University (2010) and a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from the University of Florida (2002).
Experience: July 2021-July 2022, SDE Fellow/Academic Instructor, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Al; June 2020 -July 2021, Director of Public Affairs, 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), Al Udeid AB, Qatar; June 2017- June 2020, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, USAFE-AFAFRICA, Ramstein AB, Germany; June 2015- June 2017, Commander, 341st Recruiting Squadron, San Antonio, Tx; June 2012- June 2014, Chief of PA Officer Assignments, Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, Tx; Sept 2009- June 2012, Public Affairs Plans Officer, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Peterson AFB, Co; July 2008- July 2009, Information Ops Officer, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), Nangarhar, Afghanistan; August 2007- July 2008, Chief of Public Affairs, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.
Email: dustin.hart.3@au.af.edu

Col Jimmy S. Hicks, USMC, US Marine Corps Advisor to Air University, Instructor, Instructor
Advising Interests: Strategic leadership, international relations, JAD2C and ballistic missile defense.
Research Interests: Joint acquisition strategy, space operations, and integrated air and missile defense.
Degrees: MA Security Studies from the Air War College, MS National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval Command and Staff College, BS History from Campbell University.
Experience: Site Chief (Joint): Defense Threat Reduction Agency-Europe, Commanding Officer: Air Control Training Squadron, Airspace Management: MCIEAST, Executive Officer (forward) and Operations Officer: MACG-28, Acquisitions and Program Manager: Marine Special Operations Command, Company Commander, Battalion Executive Officer and Commanding Officer: SOI-East. Mediterranean deployment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit: 1999-2000, Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq): 2006, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan): 2013-2014.
Email: jimmy.hicks.2@au.af.edu

Prof. Gene Kamena, Colonel, USA (ret.), Program Director
Professor Gene Kamena teaches in the Joint Warrior Studies Seminar at the Air War College. His expertise is focused in the areas of senior and strategic leadership, ethics, Joint Warfighting, and Command and Control. Gene Kamena retired from active duty after 30 years of service as an Infantry Officer. His operational and Command experience includes - Desert Storm as a Battalion S3, Bosnia and Macedonia as a Battalion Commander, Kosovo as a Brigade Combat Team Commander, Director of Staff for U.S. Space Command, Chief of Staff for NORTHCOM, Chief of Staff for the 1^st Infantry Division (Iraq), Director for Iraqi Security Forces, Commander for the Desert Wolves (Iraq), and Director of Force Synchronization for the FCS Program. While at the War College, Prof. Kamena has served in various positions of responsibility to include - Course Director for Leadership Course, Assistance Department Chair for the Strategy Department, and the Department Chair for the Leadership and Warfighting Department. Professor Kamena was selected as the AETC Educator of the year of 2014.
Email: gene.kamena@au.af.edu

COL Jen Mendel, USA, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Leadership and ethics.
Degrees: MS Strategic Studies, Air War College; MA Human Resources Management, Webster University, BS Education, Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Experience: 2020-2022 Human Resource Manager, Colonel’s Management Office, Fort Knox, KY; 2017-2020 Squadron Commander, Joint Communications Support Element, MacDill AFB, FL; 2014-2017 Deputy Army Element Commander and Operations Officer, CENTCOM J63, MacDill AFB, FL; 2012-2014 Operations Officer, Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, GA; 2009-2011 Brigade Signal Officer, Engineer Brigade, Fort Liberty, NC (combat tour); 2006-2008 Company Commander, Fort Liberty, NC (combat tour); 2002-2004 XO/Platoon Leader, Signal Company, Fort Liberty, NC (combat tour x 2). Participated in humanitarian, contingency, and combat operations to include 4 combat tours in Iraq and Hurricane Katrina. Attended the Air War College, Army Command and Staff College, Signal Captain’s Career Course, Signal Officer Basic Course, Officer Candidate School, Jump Master School and Airborne School. Served 7 years prior service as a medic.
Email: jennifer.s.mendel@au.af.edu

Col Blair Morris, USAF, AU Acquisition and Sustainment Chair, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Strategic leadership, Air Power in History, Acquisition topics.
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies from Air War College; Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College; Master of Business Administration, University of North Alabama; Bachelor of Science, Accounting, University of Alabama.
Experience: Experience: Jun 2020 – Jun 2023 – Commander, Defense Contract Management Agency – Lockheed Martin Marietta, Marietta GA; Aug 2018 – May 2020 – Deputy Director Open IT Solutions Office, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Springfield VA; Jun 2017 – Aug 2018 – Chief, Maintenance (Software) Branch, Enterprise Logistics Systems Division, Maxwell AFB – Gunter Annex AL; Jul 2016 – May 2017 – Student, AWC, Maxwell AFB AL; Jun 2014 – Jul 2016 – Commander, 32d Student Squadron, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB AL; Aug 2013 – Jun 2014 – Professor of Systems Acquisition Management, Defense Acquisition University, Ft Belvoir VA; Jul 2010 – Aug 2013 – Country Program Director – Pakistan, Korea, Mongolia, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Arlington VA; Jun 2009 – Jun 2010 – Student, ACSC, Maxwell AFB AL; Oct 2006 – Jun 2009 – Program Manager/Branch Chief, Advanced IT Systems, Hanscom AFB MA; Dec 2003 – Dec 2006 – Program Manager, Subscale Aerial Targets, Eglin AFB FL; Oct 2000 – May 2003 – Aircraft Maintenance Officer, 366th Wing, Mountain Home AFB ID; Aug 1997 – Oct 2000 – Mission Manager Space Launch Systems, Kirtland AFB NM.
Email: christopher.morris.1@au.af.edu

Col Galen K. Ojala (USSF) AU Space Chair and Instructor
Advising Interests: Strategy development, problem definition, organizational and technical leadership to address the unaddressed, application of a paradox mindset, opportunity cost as a risk, and air-space security cooperation.
Research Interests: Celestial-politics (space geopolitics), strategy development, security cooperation, command in the 21st century, transformational leadership to enable capability revolutions in military affairs, systems architecting, and systems engineering.
Degrees: MS Military Political Science, Air Command and Staff College; MS Space Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, BS Mechanical Engineering, Michigan Technological University.
Formal Certificate Programs: Air War College by Correspondence; NGA/AFIT MASINT Certificate; Senior Systems Engineer (highest level), National Reconnaissance Office.
Experience: Space Operations Officer with Secondary AFSC in Engineering (Space). Director of Space Forces, Air Forces Southern, US Southern Command, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ; Commander, Space Intelligence Squadron, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH; Deputy Director, Commander’s Action Group (under Gen John Hyten); Chief of Senior Leader Management; Chief of Strategy, Doctrine, and Policy, HQ Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB; Chief of Training/Lead Director of Missions, Aerospace Data Facility – East, National Reconnaissance Office; Deputy Division Chief of Technical Applications Division (Rapid Prototyping), National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, VA; Chief of Aerospace Sensors Program Office (space-based radar & DARPA Programs), Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, NY; Minuteman III ICBM Commander/Instructor, Minot AFB, ND.
Flight Information: 287 Minuteman III alerts; 3-years variety of NRO satellites across several mission and orbital regimes.
Email: galen.ojala@au.af.edu

Col (GS) Christian Paust, GAF, German Air Force Advisor, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Strategic Leadership, International Relations, Security Cooperation, Alliances and Partnerships, Nuclear Deterrence/Nuclear Burden-Sharing, Airpower, Air Operations, Great Power Competition.
Degrees: MS Strategic Studies, Air War College, BS Aeronautical Science, A.C.E.I. Inc.
Experience: 2020-2021, International Fellow AWC AY 21, Montgomery, AL, USA; 2017-2020, Commander Operations Group Tactical Air Wing 33, Büchel, Germany; 2014-2017, Assistant Branch Chief, Defence Planning & Concepts Air, Space and Cyber Space, Federal Ministry of Defence, Bonn, Germany; 2012-2014, Department Head A5a/ A5Ia, Air Operations Command, Kalkar, Germany; 2011-2012, Assistant Air Attaché, German Embassy, Washington D.C., USA; 2009-2011, Head of the Intelligence Department, Air Transport Command, Münster, Germany; 2007-2009, General Staff College, Participant of the General and Admiral Staff Course 07, Hamburg, Germany; 2006-2007, Scheduling Officer/Scheduling Staff Officer, 2 Squadron Fighter Bomber Wing 31 „B“ Nörvenich, Germany; 2005-2006, Training and Tactics Group (TTG), Flying Group, Fighter Bomber Wing 31 „B“, Nörvenich, Germany; 2000-2005, Simulator and Flight Instructor, German Air Force Flying Training Center, Holloman AFB, NM, USA; 1997-2000, Fighter Bomber WSO Tornado, 2./ Fighter Bomber Wing 32 “ECR”, Lechfeld, Germany.
Flight Information: Rating: Weapon System Officer, Fighter Weapons Instructor; Flight Hours: 1650, Aircraft Flown: T-43, T-37, T-38, Alpha Jet, Tornado.
Email: christian.paust.gy@au.af.edu

Col Eric M. Peterson, USAF, Air University Mobility Air Forces Chair, Seminar Director, Instructor
Advising Interests: Leadership, historic and contemporary campaigns/airpower, education and training, talent management, command and control, and privatized warfare. Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies, Air War College; Master of Military Operational Art and Science, School of Advanced Military Studies; Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Liberty University; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, US Air Force Academy Experience: Course Director, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL; Commander and DO, 99th Flying Training Squadron, JBSA-Randolph, TX; Airpower Strategist and Lead Action Officer, CSAF’s Focus Area 2, HAF/A5, Pentagon, Washington DC; Director of Staff, 437th Operations Group, JB Charleston, SC; Chief of Stan Eval, 14th Flying Training Squadron, JB Charleston, SC; Flight Commander, 48th Flying Training Squadron, Columbus AFB, MS; Operations Controller and C-17 Instructor Aircraft Commander, JB Lewis-McChord, WA.
Flight Information: Rating: Command Pilot; Flight Hours: 5000+ (1100+ Combat); Aircraft Flown: C-17, T-1A, T-6A.
Email: eric.peterson.2@au.af.edu

Mr. Richard Samuels, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Areas of expertise and research interests include strategic leadership, systems theory, command relations, and national security decision-making.
Experience: Mr. Samuels joined the Air War College faculty in 2017. He retired from the USAF in 2016 after 30 years of active-duty service. Mr. Samuels was a special operations aviator with over 3600 hours in several aircraft, and he served in multiple combat operations from Just Cause to Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Samuels commanded at the O4, O5 and O6 levels, and his staff tours included two tours on the Joint Staff, two Service major commands, and a sub-unified command.
Degrees: Mr. Samuels holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering, MS in Mechanical Engineering, and MA in Strategic Studies.
Email: richard.samuels.4@au.af.edu

COL Glenn C. Schmick, USA, US Army Advisor Group, Instructor
Advising Interests: Strategic leadership, policing, military support to civilian authorities, commanding large formations, and affecting organizational culture.
Research Interests: Strategic leadership, commanding large formations, and affecting organizational culture.
Degrees: Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from Air War College, a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command and Staff College, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Appalachian State University.
Experience: 2017-2019, Brigade Commander, 18^th MP BDE, Graffenwoehr, GE; 2016-2017, Senior Afghan Advisor, NATO, Kabul, AFG; 2015-2016, Executive Officer, OAA, Pentagon, VA; 2013-2014, Deputy Chief of Staff, JRTC & Fort Polk, LA; 2011-2013, Battalion Commander, 519^th MP Battalion, Fort Polk, LA; 2009-2011, Division Provost Marshal, 1^st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, GE and Iraq; 2007-2008, Executive Officer, 1^st MEB, Fort Polk, LA; 2006-2007, Executive officer, 519^th MP Battalion, Fort Polk, LA and Iraq; 2005-2006, Operations Officer, ARCENT, Arifjan, KU; 2002-2005, Company Commander, Monroe Recruiting Co, Monroe, LA; 2001-2002, Force Protection Officer, 1^st TMCA, Kaiserslautern, GE; 1999-2001, Company Commander, 554^th MP Company, Stuttgart, GE; 1997-1998, Company Commander, HHD, 519^th MP Battalion, Fort Polk, LA; 1995-1997, Platoon Leader, 258^th & 204^th MP Companies, Fort Polk, LA and Haiti; 1990-1991, Infantryman, 120^th IN, NCNG, Elkin, NC.
Email: glenn.schmick@au.af.edu

Gp Capt (O-6) John H. Shields PhD, Royal Air Force, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: World War 2, Cold War Air Power, Air C2, the Falklands Conflict, and the Battle of Britain
Degrees: PhD in Defense Studies, King’s College London; MA in Defense Studies, King’s College London; Masters in Strategic Studies with Joint Warfighting Concentration from Air University.
Experience: 1991-2007 Tornado F3 navigator, weapons instructor and commander (2500 hours including Op Deny Flight.); 2008-2009 as an Advanced Command and Staff College student at Joint Services Command and Staff College, UK; 2009-2011 as Commanding Officer of 905 Expeditionary Air Wing, Falkland Islands; 2001-2003, 2006-2008 and 2012-2014 in capability management tours at Defense Procurement Agency, Air Command and the Ministry of Defense; 2014-2018 as Instructor and Course Director at the Joint Services Command and Staff College; Middle East CAOC tours as Tornado F3 Liaison Officer (2000 – Op Southern Watch); Deputy Chief Strategy Division (2011-2012 – Op New Dawn and Op Enduring Freedom); and UK Red Card Holder (2018 – Op Inherent Resolve).
Email: john.shields.12.gb@au.af.edu

Dr. Daniel Strand, Professor of Ethics, Instructor
Advising Interests: Just War tradition and ethics in warfare, ethics and foreign policy, ethics and technology, profession of arms and officership, religion in war and foreign policy.
Research Interests: History of Just War tradition; ethics of technology in warfare; St Augustine and Christian Realism; the role of religion in foreign affairs; medical ethics.
Degrees: BA in Philosophy (University of Minnesota), Master's in Divinity (Gordon-Conwell); Doctor of Philosophy in Ethics and Religion (University of Chicago)
Email: daniel.strand@au.af.edu

Mr. Chris Wilbeck, Colonel, USA (ret.), Professor of Joint Military Operations, Global Campaigning Course Director
Advising Interests: Russia and China in relation to Great Power Conflict, Contingency Planning/Operational Planning/Operational Design, Mission Command, Joint Doctrine focused on the high end of the conflict continuum and/or Large Scale Combat Operations
Research Interests: World War II, Soviet Operational Art, The employment and evolution of Armor.
Degrees: BS Business Administration, MBA, Masters in Military History, Masters in Military Arts and Science in Theater Operations (SAMS), Masters of Strategic Studies (Air War College).
Experience: Over 28 years of active duty service in the U.S. Army as an Armor Officer. Served in operational and planning positions from Squadron/Battalion to the Division and Joint Level with multiple deployments supporting named contingency operations, including: Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Email: christopher.wilbeck.1@au.af.edu

Dr. Elizabeth Woodworth, Professor of Strategic Communications, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Strategic communication, classical rhetoric, digital rhetoric, storytelling, higher education, creative thinking, creative nonfiction, literary studies, Victorian poetry, and the 19th c. British novel.
Degrees: PhD in English at Texas Christian University with specialties in rhetoric and British literature; her MA in English Composition is from California State University at San Bernardino; her BA in English is from Boise State University; she minored in math, history, and dance.
Experience: Dr. Woodworth was a visiting professor and project director for the Center for Writing Excellence for many years, co-developing and becoming director of the Center in 2011. Prior to her appointment at the AWC, she was a tenured Honors Associate Professor of English at Auburn University at Montgomery. She Dr. Woodworth has published scholarship in Victorian Poetry, EDUCAUSE Quarterly, The JUMP (and was an editorial board member from 2008-2017), Browning Society Notes, The Journal of Basic Writing, The Journal of the Assembly for Expanded Perspectives on Learning, The Ben Jonson Journal with a forthcoming essay in Studies in Browning and His Circle. She’s also published three creative nonfiction essays in the National Honors Collegiate Institute book, Memories and Monuments: Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan. One of her creative nonfiction texts appears as a chapter in the book: Invasion of the MOOCs: The Promises and Perils of Massive Open Online Courses. In 2018, she co-authored a chapter in the book, Transforming Organizations: Narrative and Story-Based Approaches. Her current research project centers on 18^th and 19^th salons and higher education teaching models in professional military education.
Email: elizabeth.woodworth@au.af.edu