Orlando, Fla.—There is a “misperception” that there is no future for missileers in the service, but Air Force Global Strike Command boss Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson said that’s just not true. Speaking at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium here Thursday, Wilson pointed out that there are approximately 1,200 airmen who wear the missileer patch in the Air Force today (some 550 of whom are currently conducting the mission). In addition, there are 14 missile squadrons, three groups, and three wings, each with leadership opportunities. There also are “important jobs” for missileers on the US Strategic Command staff, the A-10 staff, and on AFGSC’s staff. Finally, there are 12 general officers currently serving in the Air Force who once were missileers, said Wilson. “There are opportunities for missileers in the Air Force. They can do some amazing things,” he noted.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…