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.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…


