The family of the late Col. William Erlenbusch has presented Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, with a unique gift—the very first Air Force guided missile insignia, now known as a missile badge. In 1958, Erlenbusch commanded the 864th Strategic Missile Squadron in Huntsville, Ala., where he received the badge, which now will become part of AFSPC’s permanent historical collection. The badge will be displayed alongside the first prototype space operations badge presented to Gen. Bernard Schriever on June 20, 2005, shortly before his death, Lord said.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

