Senior Staff

Col Robert J. Rowell, Vice Commandant

Colonel Robert J. Rowell graduated from Auburn University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, Central Missouri State University in 1995 with a Master of Arts degree in History, Air University in 2006 with a Master of Science degree in Military Arts and Science, and National Defense University (Eisenhower School) in 2013 with a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy. He is a career Space and Missile Operations officer with experience in ICBM ops, Space Control and Missile Warning Ops. He has commanded at the squadron level and served as Deputy Group Commander of the 321st Expeditionary Mission Support Advisory Group in Tikrit, Iraq. In addition, he has served in key staff positions at Headquarters Air Force Space Command, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command.

Col Joseph D. Beal, USAF, Dean of Students

Colonel Joseph “Jobu” Beal is the Dean of Students for Air War College. Colonel Beal entered the Air Force in 2002 after graduating from the University of West Florida.  As a Senior Pilot, he has compiled over 3,300 hours and nearly 1,000 combat hours over three operational deployments in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, including multiple C-17 combat airdrop missions. In addition to his pilot experience, Col Beal has held a variety of assignments including Deputy Department Chair, Air Command and Staff College; Deputy Commander, 437th Operations Group; Commander, 437th Operations Support Squadron; and Branch Chief, European Operations Plans, HQ USAFE/A5X. He is a graduate of Air War College, the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Air Command and Staff College, and the University of Alabama.

Dean of Academics

Dr. J. David Bottomlee, USAF, Dean of the Air War College
Dr. "Rock" Bottomlee serves as the Dean of the U.S. Air Force Air War College. He earned a PhD from Auburn University as an Air Force Institute of Technology fellow where his research focused on leadership in Public Administration. During his 30 years in the USAF, Colonel (ret) Bottomlee served in various positions related to his experience as an F-16 pilot such as his most recent combat deployment as the NATO Director of Air Operations in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this role, he was responsible for the planning and execution of all combat aviation flights including close air support, airlift, MEDIVAC, space, helicopter, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Advising Interests: Leadership, Moral Courage, the Profession of Arms, Ethics, Moral Injury, Toxic Leadership, Organizational Culture and Change, Combat Airpower, Core Values, Strategic/Critical/Creative Thinking, Negotiations
Research Interests: Leadership, Moral Courage, Character Development, the Profession of Arms
Degrees: PhD in Political Science focused in Public Administration & Leadership from Auburn University; MA in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College; MA in Counseling and Leadership Development from the University of Colorado; MA in Business Administration (MBA) from California State University; BA in Political Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy (Go Falcons!).
Active Duty Experience: Dean, Associate Dean, Dept Chair at Air War College; Director of Air Operations NATO headquarters, Kabul, Afghanistan; Commander of the 3rd Fighter Training Squadron; F-16 instructor pilot with Egyptian Air Force, Command pilot with 2500 flight hours in the F-16 and AT-38 as an instructor, evaluator, and mission commander including 107 combat missions on multiple deployments specializing in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) mission; Air Officer Commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Email: james.bottomlee@au.af.edu

​Dr. Corbin M. Williamson, Associate Dean
Advising Interests: Military History, Alliances/Coalitions, Naval Warfare, Congress, Acquisition, Logistics, Nuclear Weapons, Dept. of Defense Organization
Research Interests: Military History, Naval History, World War II, Korean War, Coalition Warfare, Antisubmarine Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare, Military Organizational Culture
Degrees: PhD, History, Ohio State University; MA, History, Texas Tech University; BA, Texas A&M University
Experience: 2014-2016, Historical Office of the Secretary of Defense; 2014-2016, Fleet Professor, College of Distance Education, U.S. Naval War College
Email: corbin.williamson@au.af.edu 

Col Anthony J. Sampson, PhD, Associate Dean of Faculty
Advising Interests: Leadership, Cyberspace operations, Information Warfare, Recruiting & Retention, Human Performance & Athletics management, Marketing & Consumer Behavior, Strategic Planning, Process Improvement, Diversity & Inclusion.
Research Interests: Recruiting & Retention, Process Improvement, Human Performance, Bias & Heuristics, Marketing, Diversity & Inclusion.
Degrees: PhD, Management (sports concentration) – University of Florida; MS, Joint Information Operations – Naval Postgraduate School; BS, Social Sciences – US Air Force Academy.
Experience: Director of Strategic Initiatives & Football Operations, and Physical Education Instructor, USAFA Department of Athletics; Commander, Air Force Recruiting Squadron, Burlington NJ; Chief, Joint Cyber Center, US Southern Command; Chief of Current Ops, JTF-Matthew, Haiti; Intercollegiate Program Manager & Asst Recruiting Coordinator, USAFA Department of Athletics; Director of Operations, Fielded Systems Division, AF Info Warfare Center (redesignated 688th COW).
Email: anthony.sampson@au.af.edu

Col Chrystal D. Henderson, Air University SG Chair and AWC Director of Research and Electives
Advising Interests: Military Medicine; Writing; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DE&I)
Research Interests: Military Medicine; DE&I; Human Relations & Leadership
Degrees: MD, Medicine & Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine; Masters, Military Strategic Studies, Air War College, The Air University; BA, Biology, University of Louisville
Experience: 2001-2004 Family Medicine Physician (Robins AFB); 2004-2005 Flight Commander, Family Health Clinic (Robins AFB); 2005-2008 Chief, Medical Staff (Robins AFB); 2008-2011 Chief, Medical Staff (Davis-Monthan AFB); 2011-2013 Commander, 42d Medical Operations Squadron; 2013-2014 Air War College Student (Maxwell AFB); 2014-2016 Commander, 779th Medical Operations Squadron; 2016-2017 Division Chief, SG3/5 Medical Operations/Medical Home Panel Chair (DHHQ/Falls Church, VA); 2017-2020 Commander, 509th Medical Group (Whiteman AFB); 2020-2023 Director, Air Force Inspection Agency Medical Operations (Kirtland AFB)
Email: chrystal.henderson@au.af.edu

Department of International Security Studies

The Department of International Security Studies develops senior leaders who can evaluate today's complex, interdependent, and dynamic international system; develop and assess competing strategies for securing national objectives that integrate joint military, multinational, and multi-agency instruments of power; assess the context and content of the processes used in planning US national security policies; and be prepared to work effectively in the national security decision making arena. Our curriculum consists of two courses: Great Power Studies (GPS) and Regional Security Studies (RSS).

Col Theresa Weems, Department Chair
Education:  MS in International Affairs from Troy University; an MS in Military Operational Art and Science from Air Command & Staff College, and a BA in Political Science from Northwestern University
Experience: 1995-1999: Supply & Fuels Officer; 2000-2008: KC-10 Pilot (Evaluator), Flight Safety Officer, Sq/DO; 2009-2011: Pol-Military Affairs Specialist (SAF/IA); 2011-2014: Chief of Wing Safety, Squadron/CC, and Wing IG; 2014-2016: Deputy Director, SECAF/CSAF EAG & speechwriter; 2016-2017: Air Force Fellow with George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies; 2017-2019: Operations Group Commander, Travis AFB. Col Weems has had multiple flying deployments for Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM; counter-drug ground deployments to Quito, Ecuador and Bogota, Colombia; Internship with Department of State’s Political & Economics Department at U.S. Embassy, Santiago, Chile; over 3600 hrs in KC-10A; also flown C-5M and C-17.
Email: theresa.weems@au.af.edu

Dr. Sean Braniff, Assistant Professor of International Security Studies, Deputy Department Chair
Advising and Research Interests: Political psychology, international relations theory, causes of war, power transitions, Middle East politics, qualitative research methodology
Degrees: PhD in Political Science (University of Notre Dame), MA in Political Science (University of Notre Dame), MA in Arab Studies (Georgetown University), BA in History (Brigham Young University – Idaho)
Experience: School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (Post-doctoral fellow), Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (Assistant Professor), Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (Research Associate)
Email: sean.braniff@au.af.edu

Dr. Andrew "Andy" M. Akin, Associate Professor of International Security Studies, Director of the Russian Research Task Force
Advising Interests: Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics and security studies, civil wars, regime transitions.
Research Interests: Soviet Elites in Transition, Conflict in the Post-Soviet World, Social Network Analysis
Degrees: PhD, MA Political Science, University of Alabama; MS, International Relations, Troy University; BA, Political Science/Russian Language, Wabash College
Experience: Assistant Professor, International Security Studies, Air Command and Staff College; Assistant Professor, Global College of Professional Military Education
Email: andrew.akin@au.af.edu 

Dr. Anna Batta, Associate Professor of International Security Studies
Advising Interests: Russian foreign policy, Eastern European politics, Former Soviet States, Ethnicity and conflict, Authoritarian regimes, Secessionist civil wars, State building, Balkans
Research Interests: Russian politics, Former Soviet States, Post-Communist studies, Civil Wars, Conflict management, Ethnic minorities, Politics of new states, Unrecognized states
Degrees: PhD, Political Science, Conflict Studies, University of North Texas; MPA Public Administration, University of Texas at Arlington; Honors BA Political Science, University of Texas at Arlington; Associate Degree, Public Administration College Budapest, Hungary
Experience: 2013-2014 Southern Methodist University, Adjunct Lecturer of Political Science; 2014-2015 Eckerd College, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science; 2015-present Air War College, Assistant Professor of International Security Studies; Martin Heisler Graduate Student Research Paper Award ISA 2012; Language Program Liaison Air War College 2017-present
Email: anna.batta@au.af.edu 

Dr. Stephen F. Burgess, Professor of International Security Studies
Advising Interests: African and Asian security issues, Peace and Stabilization Operations, and Weapons of Mass Destruction and US Grand Strategy and Foreign Policy Decision-making.
Research Interests: African and Asian security issues, Peace and Stabilization Operations, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Degrees: PhD, Michigan State University 
Experience: Faculty member at the University of Zambia, University of Zimbabwe, Vanderbilt University, and Hofstra University 
Email: stephen.burgess.1@au.af.edu

Dr. Chad Dacus, Associate Professor of International Security Studies, Director of the Cyber Research Task Force
Research Interests: Intellectual property theft, risk modelling, and the economics of cybersecurity.
Degrees: PhD in economics from Rice University, MS in Statistics from Texas A&M University
Experience: Before joining the Air War College, Dr. Dacus worked at the Air Force Cyber College, Air Force Research Institute and served as a Research Analyst and Fleet Forces Command Field Representative for the Center for Naval Analyses
Publications: “Defensive Industrial Policy: Securing the Industrial Base and Beyond,” “Designing Cybersecurity into Defense Systems: An Information Economics Approach,” and “China-US Relations: Moving Toward Greater Cooperation or Conflict.”
Email: chad.dacus@au.af.edu

Dr. Joshua R. Goodman, Assistant Professor of International Security Studies
Advising Interests: Civil-Military relations and executive branch politics; Irregular Warfare; Coercion and civilian victimization; Middle East politics and history; Saudi-Iran rivalry; Arab-Israeli Conflict. 
Research Interests: Civil-military relations and strategic planning; Intragovernmental and Bureaucratic Politics; Irregular warfare; Civilian victimization; Middle East politics and history; Colonialism; Arab-Israeli Conflict; Persian Gulf and US Foreign Policy; Tribe-State relations; Internal security and combat effectiveness.
Degrees: PhD, Yale University, Department of Political Science; MA, Tel Aviv University, Department of Modern Middle East History; BA, Emory University, International Studies.
Experience: 2018-2020, Visiting Assistant Professor, Government Department, St. Lawrence University
Email: joshua.goodman.11@au.af.edu 

Mr. Charles E. Hans, Defense Intelligence Chair to Air University, Instructor
Advising Interests:  Intelligence analysis and production processes and methodologies; intelligence collections disciplines and methods; the US Intelligence Community; intelligence collaboration and cooperation; intelligence ethics and politicization; intelligence oversight; the global threat environment
Research Interests: Intelligence in war; intelligence analysis and production processes and methodologies; critical thinking; global terrorism
Degrees: Master of Strategic Studies, Air War College; Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Texas at Austin; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
Experience: 1982-2004, United States Navy; 2004-Present, Civilian (Intelligence).  Key assignments:  Intelligence Officer, Strike-Fighter Squadron 34; Senior Intelligence Watch Officer, US Forces Korea; Terrorism Analysis Branch Chief, US Central Command; Senior Terrorism Analyst, US Special Operations Command; Chief of Terrorism Analysis, Joint Interagency Task Force, Afghanistan (multiple tours); Chief of Strategic Assessments, US Central Command; Commander’s Action Group (CAG), US Central Command.
Email: charles.hans.3@au.af.edu 

Dr. Chris Hemmer, Professor of International Security Studies
Advising/Research Interests: American foreign policy, political psychology, and Middle East politics
Degrees: PhD, 1998, Department of Government at Cornell University with a specialty in international relations; BA, Political Science Major and Psychology Minor, State University of New York at Albany.
Publications: Which Lessons Matter? American Foreign Policy Decision Making in the Middle East, 1979-1987 (State University of New York Press, 2000), American Pendulum: Recurring Debates in U.S. Grand Strategy (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2015).
Email: christopher.hemmer@au.af.edu

Dr. Jared Morgan McKinney, Assistant Professor of International Security Studies
Advising Interests: China, Theories of War and Peace, Ancient History, Deterrence, Taiwan and English School/Classical Realism
Research Interests: Deterring a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, periods of great power peace across world history, and Sino-American relations
Degrees: PhD, International Relations, BA, History, MA, International History, MS, Defense and Strategic Studies
Experience: Instructor, Assistant Professor, and then Chair, Strategy and Security Studies, Global College of Professional Military Education, Air University; Adjunct Professor, Defense and Strategic Studies, Missouri State University 
Publications: “Broken Nest: Deterring China from Invading Taiwan” (co-authored with Peter Harris), Parameters (Winter 2021): 23-36; “The Scholar and the Ghost: Thucydides, China’s Rise, and Major Power War,” Journal of Contemporary China (2022); “Nothing Fails Like Success: The London Ambassadors’ Conference and the Coming of the First World War,” Journal of Strategic Studies (2018): 947-1000.
Email: jared.mckinney@au.af.edu

Col Robert "Bobby" O'Keefe, PhD, USAF, Associate Professor of International Security Studies
Advising and Research Interests: Civil-military relations, bureaucratic politics, organizational culture, national security decision-making, international relations
Degrees: PhD, International Relations, American University; MPhil, Military Strategy, School of Advanced Air & Space Studies; MA, Security Studies, Naval Postgraduate School; BS, International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology
Experience: Senior Executive Officer to the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (Pentagon); Student, Ecole de guerre (Paris, France); Commander, 621 Mobility Support Operations Squadron (Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ); Student, School of Advanced Air & Space Studies (Maxwell AFB, AL); Special Assistant to the Commander and Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff, U.S. Southern Command (Miami, FL); Foreign Area Officer, Western Hemisphere (Naval Postgraduate School and Defense Language Institute, Monterey, CA; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile); C-130E/H Instructor Navigator (Dyess AFB, TX; Little Rock AFB, AR; Yokota AB, JA)
Email: robert.okeefe@au.af.edu

Col Jared Paslay, PhD, USAF, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: Contested Operations, Integrated Deterrence, Great Power Competition, Perceptions Management, Contested C2 and Logistics, International Relations
Degrees: Military Strategy (Master of Philosophy), International Relations and Conflict Resolution (Master of Arts), Japanese (Associate of Arts), Biology (Bachelor of Science)
Email: jared.paslay@au.af.edu

Dr. David S. Sorenson, Professor of International Security Studies
Advising Interests: Middle East politics and security; American defense policy-making, including military base closure, defense budget politics, defense acquisition. 
Research Interests: Middle East politics and security, including Middle East civil-military relations; American defense policy, defense economics 
Degrees: PhD, Graduate School of International Studies, (now the Korbel School of International Studies), University of Denver, MA, BA, California State University at Long Beach.
Experience: 1973-1991: Auburn University at Montgomery, Adjunct Professor of Political Science and Public Administration, 1994 – 2000; Denison University, 1975-1991, Department of Political Science, instructor - full professor; (Department Chair, 1986-1989); Mershon Center, The Ohio State University, Senior Faculty Research Associate, 1981-1991; University of Colorado at Denver, Instructor, 1974-1975.
Email: david.sorenson@au.af.edu  

Mr. Terry Steers-Gonzalez, State Department Chair to Air University, Instructor
Advising Interests: Diplomacy and uses of diplomatic power; foreign policy development and implementation; international law and norms; democracy and governance; the role of civil society; political-economy and trade; interagency functions; strategic communications and practical writing for senior leaders.
Research Interests: Foreign policy development and implementation; geo-economics; migration; strategic communications and practical writing; applied critical thinking; applied leadership.
Degrees: Juris Doctorate, Washington University School of Law, St. Louis, MO; Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Washington, DC.
Experience: 2002-present: Officer Counselor, Foreign Service, U.S. Department of State. Key assignments: Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Georgetown (Guyana); Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy Bogota (Colombia); Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy Islamabad (Pakistan); Political-Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy Guatemala City (Guatemala); Iran Watcher, U.S. Consulate General Istanbul (Turkey); Political Internal Affairs Unit Chief, U.S. Embassy Islamabad (Pakistan); Deputy Public Affairs Counselor, U.S. Embassy Nicosia (Cyprus); and, Senior Colombia Desk Officer, Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau (Washington, DC).
Email: steers-gonzalezt@au.af.edu

Dr. Ashly Townsen, Assistant Professor of International Security Studies, Great Power Studies Course Director
Advising Interests: Political Movements, Political Protest, Rebellion or Revolution, Psychology, Terrorism, Political and Violent Groups, African Politics, Peacekeeping Operations.
Research Interests: Subnational political violence and political behavior, usually involving experiments and/or spatial econometrics.
Degrees: PhD, Political Science, University of Illinois; BS Political Science, Sam Houston State University
Experience: 2015-18 Assistant Professor, Washington State University; 2018-current Assistant Professor, Air War College
Email: ashly.townsen@au.af.edu

Col Eric Tramel, USAF, Instructor
Advising and Research Interests: European Security Issues, Eurasian Security Issues, Nuclear Deterrence, Airpower's Role in Deterrence
Degrees: History, Masters in Public Administration, Masters in National Security Strategy in Europe and Eurasia, Masters in Security Studies
Email: eric.tramel@au.af.edu

Col Robert P. Vicars, PhD, Instructor
Degrees: PhD, Political Science, Baylor University; BS, Professional Aeronautics, Embry-Riddle University; MA, Theological Studies, Liberty University, Master of Military Arts and Sciences, Army School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth; Master of Strategic Arts, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL
Experience: Project lead for AETC’s Pilot Training Next Initiative, Bergstrom Airport, Austin, Texas, responsible for exploring the potential of current and emerging technologies in the context of USAF flight training. He has flown the F-16 in South Korea, as a Forward Air Controller-Airborne in Alaska, as well as in support of Operation Noble Eagle in Guam. He has also served in the Joint Operations Center, Combined Forces Command, Kabul, Afghanistan. He has joint service on staff at U.S. Pacific Command, as well as joint education at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Col Vicars is a command pilot with over 1,900 hours in the F-16 and T-38.
Email: robert.vicars@au.af.edu

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

Department of Strategy

The Department of Strategy recruits, retains, and develops quality faculty and staff to develop and deliver current and relevant graduate-level curriculum; to conduct and advise research and publications that are relevant to national security; and, to perform service and outreach that results in mission accomplishment and enhances strategic communications in order to educate and develop critical-thinking leaders to better serve our nation and our interests. The Department of Strategy (DES) teaches the longest of the core courses, Foundations of Strategy (FS). DES Faculty also develop and offer elective courses each year on topics such as command, ethics, leading change, civil military relations, coercive airpower, coalition warfare, irregular warfare, genocide, and military privatization.

Dr. Stephen Renner, Colonel, USAF (ret), Department Chair
Degrees: PhD, History, University of Oxford; MIPP, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies; MA, Airpower, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies; MA, Military Operations, Air Command and Staff College; BA, Political Science, University of Louisville
Experience: Professor, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies; Vice Commander, 355th Fighter Wing; Commander, 25th Fighter Squadron; Olmsted Scholar, Budapest University of Economic Sciences. A-10 instructor/evaluator pilot. Deputy Joint Air Component Coordination Element, Erbil 2017; Deputy Director of Political Military Affairs, Kabul 2007-8.
Email: stephen.renner.5@au.af.edu

Col Rusty Allison, Ph.D., Regional Security Studies Program Director, Special Operations Chair to AU, and Professor of Strategy
Advising Interests: Strategic decision-making, Russia/Ukraine war, Special Operations, NATO.   
Research Interests: Soviet Union, post-Soviet republics, nuclear history, nationalism, borderlands, history of technology.   
Degrees: Ph.D., History, Auburn University; Master of Int'l Public Policy, The Johns Hopkins University; Master of Strategic Studies (Grand Strategy), Air University; Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies, U.S. Air Force Academy.   
Email: russell.allison@au.af.edu

Col Shawn Covault, USAF, Instructor, Seminar Director
Advising Interests: : Leadership and Cultural Intelligence (CQ), Coalition/Alliance Operations and Cultural Awareness, Military Stability and Support Operations, COIN Operations, Military Train, Advise, and Assist Operations.
Degrees: PhD (candidate), Global Leadership, Troy University; MA, Strategic Studies, Air War College; MA, Military Studies, Marine Corps Command and Staff College; MS, Management, Troy State University; BS, Management, U.S. Air Force Academy
Experience: Vice Commander, Barnes Center for Enlisted Professional Military Education;  Commander, 375th Mission Support Group, Commander; 72nd Security Forces Squadron; Commander, 732nd ESFS Police Transition Team, Iraq; Commander, 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron; Commander, 607th Ground Combat Readiness Squadron; Training Division Chief, Expeditionary Operations, AF Installation Mission Support Center, FP Technology Branch Chief, CENTCOM J3/Joint Security Office; Base Defense Branch Chief, A4 AFSPC; Installation Anti Terrorism Officer, 35th FW
E-Mail: shawn.covault@au.af.edu

Dr. Carl Forsberg, Assistant Professor
Advising Interests: US Foreign Policy; Middle Eastern regional politics; 20th Century international history; the formulation of national strategy; the US intervention in Afghanistan.
Research Interests: US-Middle East relations; the evolution of the Middle Eastern international system; the US intervention in Afghanistan; the global Cold War; presidential leadership.
Degrees: PhD, History, The University of Texas at Austin, BA in history, Yale University.  
Experience: Henry Kissinger Postdoctoral Fellow, International Security Studies, Yale University (2020-21); Ernest May Postdoctoral Fellow, Belfer Center, Harvard University (2019-20); Minerva/Jennings Randolph Dissertation Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace (2018-19); Strategic Advisor, CJIATF-Shafafiyat, HQ ISAF, Afghanistan (2011-12).
E-Mail: carl.forsberg@au.af.edu

Dr. Howard M. Hensel, Professor
Advising Interests: Soviet / Russian studies; Middle Eastern history; Indian Ocean history; American and European military history; military history of the American Civil War; “just war” theories; international humanitarian law.
Research Interests: Soviet history; Persian/Arabian Gulf history; Indian Ocean history; military history of the American Civil War; ancient, medieval, and early modern philosophy; “just war” theories; international humanitarian law.
Degrees: PhD, Government, University of Virginia; MA, Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia; BA, History, Texas A&M University.
Experience: Air War College Experience - Director of Strategy (2006-2009); Academic Director, Electives Program (1997-2001); Director of Strategy (1994-1995); Director of International Security Studies (1990-1992); and Director of Soviet Studies (1988-1990). Faculty experience prior to joining Air War College - Air Command and Staff College; Monterey Institute of International Studies; Naval Postgraduate School; University of Virginia; Marine Command and Staff College. Author/editor of twelve books and over 50 articles and book chapters.
E-Mail: howard.hensel@au.af.edu

Col Adam W. Hilburgh, USA, Instructor
Advising Interests: Military History; Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD); Strategic Planning; Stoicism and Military Resilience.
Research Interests: Korean War; CWMD; Strategic Planning.
Degrees: ABD, History, University of Kansas; 2 x MMAS, School of Advanced Military Studies, Fort Leavenworth, KS; MA in National Security and Strategic Studies, Naval War College, RI; MS, Environmental Management, Webster University, MO; BS, Education, Westfield University, MA.
E-Mail: adam.w.hilburgh.mil@au.af.edu

Col Scott Hoffman, USAF, Instructor, Combat Air Forces Chair at Air University, Deputy Department Chair
Degrees: MS, Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Tech; MA, National Security Studies, Naval Command and Staff College; MA, Airpower Art and Science, USAF School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, MA, Strategic Studies, USAF Air War College; MA, Military History, The Citadel.
Experience: Deputy Director, Strategy Plans, Programs & Requirements Directorate, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF A5/8), Division Chief, Strategy and Plans Division, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF A5X), Commander, 447th Air Expeditionary Group (Incirlik AB, Turkey); Commander, 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron (Bagram, AFG); Lead Strategic Planner, International Security Assistance Force – Afghanistan (CJ-5), Kabul, 2010-2011; A-10 Instructor/Evaluator, Command Pilot with over 3300 total flying hours, to include more than 2700 hours—and over 800 combat hours—in the A-10.  Flown sorties in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
E-Mail: scott.hoffman.1@au.af.edu

Dr. Alexander N. Lassner, Associate Professor, Academic Director for the Grand Strategy Program
Research/Advising Interests: Foreign affairs and international security policies in Europe during the Interwar Period (1920-1938).
Degrees: PhD and MA in history from The Ohio State University, specializing in modern military and central European history.  Fulbright scholar in Austria, and Presidential Fellow at OSU.
Experience: Prior to coming to the Air War College, worked as a consultant to the Mershon Center for International Security and Foreign Policy Studies, and as an Assistant Professor of Comparative Military Studies at the Air Command and Staff College. During this period he published numerous articles and essays on modern military history, co-edited a book on the Dollfuss and Schuschnigg era in Austria, and undertook various research projects. Dr. Lassner has lectured at major conferences in the United States, and by invitation in Italy and Austria. During summer 2005 Dr. Lassner taught courses in modern military history while a Visiting Professor of History at the International Summer School in Innsbruck, Austria. He is currently revising his manuscript on European foreign and security policies in the 1930s for publication.
E-mail: alexander.lassner@au.af.edu

Dr. Brian McNeil, Associate Professor
Advising Interests: Diplomatic History, International History, U.S. History, American Politics, International Institutions.
Research Interests: U.S. Foreign Policy, International History, Decolonization, Humanitarianism.
Degrees: PhD, History, University of Texas at Austin; MA, History, Mississippi State University; BA, History, Auburn University
Experience: Assistant Professor of Strategy, 2017-present; Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Historical Studies, 2016-2017.
E-mail: brian.mcneil.2@au.af.edu 

COL Rick Nelson, USA, Instructor 
Advising Interests: Human Resources Policy, Military History.
Research Interests: Military History, European History, Asian History, Presidential War Powers.
Degrees: MS Strategic Studies, AWC; MA Military Studies, AMU; BA, History with a Museum Studies Minor, Beloit College.
Experience: G1, U.S. Army Contracting Command; G1 Eighth Army; Chief of Staff, Joint Staff J1; Chief, Human Capital Division, Joint Staff J1; Executive Assistant to the Director, Joint Staff J1; Chief, Operations and Individual Augmentation Branch, Joint Staff J1; Chief, Strength Management Branch, U.S. Army Forces Command; G1, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) with deployment to Afghanistan as the CJ1, CJTF-10/Regional Command-South; G1, United States Military Academy; Chief Plans and Operations, Chief Plans & Operations, G1 and later Deputy G1, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) with deployments to Afghanistan as the Chief, PLOPS, J1, CJTF-76 and Iraq as the Deputy G1, Multinational Division Center; S1 and later Battalion Executive Officer, U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion-Harrisburg; Personnel Staff Officer, Operations Branch, J1, U.S. Central Command; Chief, Plans & Operations, G1, 1st Corps Support Command; Commander, HHC, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and FT Monroe; Assistant S1, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade; Company Executive Officer, U.S. Army Element Allied Forces Central Europe with deployment to Croatia as Chief, Forward Area Support Team-Zagreb; Strength Manager, S1, 32nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade (Separate), WIARNG; Mechanized Infantry Platoon Leader and later Battalion Chemical Officer, 2-127th Infantry (Mechanized), WIARNG; Chief, Records Branch, 232d Personnel Services Company, WIARNG; Anti-Army Infantry Platoon Leader, Company A, 2-128th Infantry (TOW Light Anti-Tank) (Separate), WIARNG; Unit Level Communications Maintainer Company E, 2-128th Infantry (TLAT) (Separate), WIARNG and HHC, 1-167 Infantry (Mechanized), ALARNG. 
Email: richard.nelson.27@au.af.edu

Dr. David D. Palkki, Associate Professor of Strategy 
Advising Interests: Nuclear/Chem/Bio, Deterrence/Coercion, Arms Control, Middle East, US Foreign Policy, and Grand Strategy.
Research Interests: Nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, deterrence/coercion, and Iraq. 
Degrees: PhD and MA, Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles; BA, Political Science, Brigham Young University 
Experience: Analytical/Policy Experience: Council on Foreign Relations, Institute for Defense Analyses, Institute for National Strategic Studies, House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, and USG. Teaching Experience: Texas A&M University, UCLA, and Brigham Young University. 
Email: david.palkki@au.af.edu  

Dr. Douglas Peifer, Professor, Professor of Strategy and History
Advising: European Security Issues, NATO, Germany, Northern Europe and the High North, Arctic Security Issues, the EU.
Research Interests: Dr. Peifer's research interests are centered around diplomatic and military history; strategy; European security issues; Arctic Security; and NATO and the European Union. Some of Dr. Peifer's publications include Choosing War (Oxford University Press, 2016); Genocide, Airpower, and Intervention (Air University Press, 2008); The Three German Navies (University Press of Florida, 2002); Hitler’s Deserters: Breaking Ranks with the Wehrmacht (Oxford University Press, 2024); and over twenty chapters and articles in edited books and peer reviewed journals.
Degrees: PhD, Modern European and German History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1996; MA, Modern European and German History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1991; BA, History and Economics, Miami University of Ohio, 1985.
Experience: Joined Air War College in 2006; has served as course director, department chair, and deputy chair in the Department of Strategy; has advised over 75 masters level professional studies papers; invited lecturer at the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies; academic lead for regional studies courses to Europe's High North (2022, 2023, 2024); Norway, Denmark, and Germany (2021); UK, France, and Germany (2019); Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland (2017); the UK, France, and Germany (2016); Germany, Poland, Sweden (2015 & 2010); the UK and France (2013 & 2012); Italy, France, Belgium (2008); and the UK, France, and Belgium (2007).
Email: douglas.peifer@au.af.edu 

Col Jeremy Ponn, USAF, Instructor 
Advising Interests: Air Mobility, PBES (POM/Budgeting), Military History. 
Research Interests: Military History, Immersive Learning. 
Degrees: BS, Electrical Engineering, University of Washington; MS Aviation Science, ERAU; MS Strategic Intelligence, NIU; MS Strategic Studies, AWC. 
Experience: Commander, 387th Air Expeditionary Group (Al Mubarak AB, Kuwait); Instructor, Leader Development Course for Command (Maxwell AFB, AL); Commander, 76th Airlift Squadron and Inspector General, 86th Airlift Wing (Ramstein AB, Germany); Deputy Chief, POM Development Branch and Chief, Mobility Programming (SAF/FM and HAF/A8PM); Country Director, Afghanistan (SAF/IA); C-17 and C-21 Instructor/Evaluator, Command Pilot with over 3300 total flying hours in the C-21, C-17, C-37, C-130J, C-40, and KC-135.
Email: jeremy.ponn@au.af.edu  

Dr. Nicholas Michael Sambaluk, Associate Professor 
Advising Interests: Military History, Technology and Innovation in Warfare, Conflict In & Through Cyberspace.  
Research Interests: Dr. Sambaluk’s research interests deal with 20th century military history and strategy, the use of technology in warfare, and cybersecurity issues. The College’s AY24 Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft Chair of Strategy and winner of the Air Force Association’s 2020 defense writing award and the Air Force Historical Foundation’s 2016 Airpower book award, he is author or editor of five books: Weaponizing Cyberspace: Inside Russia's Hostile Activities (hardback PSI, 2022; paperback Bloomsbury Academic, 2024); Myths and Realities of Cyber Warfare: Conflict in the Digital Realm (hardback PSI, 2020; paperback Bloomsbury Academic, 2023); Conflict in the 21st Century (ABC-Clio, 2019); Paths of Innovation in Warfare from the Twelfth Century to the Present (Lexington, 2018); The Other Space Race: Eisenhower and the Quest for Aerospace Security (Naval Institute, 2015).  
Degrees: PhD, US and Military History, University of Kansas; Masters, History, University of North Texas; Bachelors, History, Texas Christian University. 
Experience: Joined Air War College in 2022; previously Associate Research Professor, Air Force Cyber College; Director of Research, eSchool of Graduate PME; Assistant Professor, Purdue University: Assistant Professor, United States Military Academy.
Email: nicholas.sambaluk@au.af.edu

Col David Woodley, USAF, Instructor and Wargaming Director
Advising Interests: Military History, Great Power Conflict, World War II, Japanese and British History, International Relations (Northeast Asia), Air Traffic Management.    
Research Interests: British History (19th/20th Century) World War II (Pacific War, Japanese Navy), Japanese History (Early Modern and Modern), Military Readiness and Global Force Management, The Space Race, International Relations (Northeast Asia), Counter Factual history.  
Degrees: MS, Strategic Studies, Air War College; MA, Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College; MA, Aeronautical Science (Airfield Management Focus), Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; BA, History, University of California Los Angeles.  
Experience: Commander, Air Force Flight Standards Agency; Division Chief, Operations Support Division PACAF/HQ; Division Chief, Joint Readiness Division, Joint Staff/J3; Commander, 71st Operations Support Squadron, Vance AFB, OK.  
Email: david.woodley@us.af.edu

Grand Strategy Seminar

Col Cory S. Hollon, Course Director

Colonel Cory S. Hollon, PhD is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Grand Strategy Seminar at the Air War College, Maxwell AFB in Montgomery AL. He oversees and guides the specialty seminar to develop graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities of a headquarters staff division chief and a grand strategic perspective. Col. Hollon is a 1995 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communications and religious studies. He earned his commission from Officer Training School, Maxwell AFB, AL, in 1998 and completed undergraduate navigator training at Pensacola NAS, FL, in 1999. Col. Hollon went on to be a distinguished graduate from the F-15E fighter training unit. He has graduated from the Sandia National Laboratory Nuclear Weapons Instructor Course, the USAF Weapons School, Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, the School for Advanced Military Studies, the Inspector General Training Course, and the Grand Strategy Seminar of the Air War College. He has led deployments to the Central Command, European Command, and Pacific Command areas of responsibility. Col. Hollon has been faculty at the Squadron Officer College, an installation Inspector General, is a plank holder in the Air Force Warfighting Integration Center, and has published numerous articles in scholarly journals.

Col. Hollon has flown and instructed in the F-15E at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; RAF Lakenheath, England; and Nellis AFB, Nev. While at the 4 FW, Col. Hollon was the Operations Officer when the squadron won the 2015 Air Force Association’s David C. Shilling award for most outstanding flying unit. He has deployed seven times in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NOBLE EAGLE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, RESOLUTE SUPPORT and INHERENT RESOLVE. On his most recent deployment, he commanded the 332 Operations Support Squadron at an undisclosed location in the AFCENT AOR. Col. Hollon has more than 2,800 flying hours, including more than 1,000 combat hours in the F-15E. Prior to his current position, Col. Hollon was a PhD candidate at Temple University specializing in early American military history and strategic studies as part of the Air War College Faculty Development Program.

Joint Warrior Studies Seminar

Dr. Will Waddell, Course Director for Joint Warrior and Associate Professor of Strategy
Advising Interests: Historical and contemporary Great Power War, historical campaigning, irregular warfare, campaign design, European history, European Union, NATO, Vietnam War
Research Interests: First Indochina War, French army, irregular warfare, wars of decolonization and empire, French history, European history
Degrees: PhD in Military History, the Ohio State University
Experience: 2016-Present, Faculty at Air War College
Email: william.waddell.2@au.af.edu 

Professor Gene Kamena
Professor (Col. Ret.) Gene Kamena is the Director of the Joint Warrior Studies Seminar at the Air War College. He has published numerous articles in the area of leadership, ethics and mentoring. He previously served as the Chief of the Army Advisory Group and Senior Army Advisor to the Air University Commander. Kamena was commissioned a 2LT of Infantry in 1979 and has commanded from the platoon to the Brigade Combat Team level. His most significant assignments include Commander of the 2d Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder Germany, Director of Staff for U.S. Space Command at Peterson AFB, Chief of Staff for Northern Command at Peterson AFB, Chief of Staff for the 1st Infantry Division at Wurzburg Germany and Tikrit Iraq, Director of all Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. leader for an Iraqi Commando brigade, Chief of the Force Synchronization Division for ARCIC at Fort Monroe. The professor is a Graduate of Auburn University, the Army War College at Carlisle PA, Advanced Space Operations Course, and holds a Master of Military Arts and Science degree. His expertise are focused in the areas of senior leadership, ethics, Joint Warfighting, and Command and Control.