Air Force and Space Force Appoint Bussiere and Bratton as Vice Chiefs in Their Respective Roles
The U.S. Air Force and Space Force are on the brink of significant leadership changes, as the nominations of Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere and Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton for the roles of Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force respectively, have been submitted to the U.S. Senate.
Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, currently the head of Air Force Global Strike Command, has been nominated for the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff position. Bussiere, who took over the role in December 2022, has been instrumental in overseeing the nation's land-based nuclear missiles and bomber fleet. His nomination, submitted on July 15, 2025, is now awaiting confirmation by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, currently serving as the deputy chief of space operations for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements, has been nominated to be the Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force. Bratton's nomination also requires Senate confirmation, following its submission on July 15, 2025.
Both nominees will face significant challenges in their potential new roles. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere will need to support Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin's vision for readiness and global leadership, which includes adapting to emerging threats and technologies. He will also have to navigate a period of leadership transition following the removal of the previous Vice Chief, Gen. James Slife, and ensure continuity in Air Force operations. Bussiere will play a crucial role in fostering strategic partnerships both within the military and with international allies to enhance U.S. airpower capabilities.
Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, on the other hand, will face challenges in ensuring the U.S. Space Force maintains its competitive edge in space-based capabilities amidst rising global competition in space. As Vice Chief of Space Operations, he must effectively integrate Space Force assets with other military branches to enhance joint operations and deterrence capabilities. Bratton will also need to oversee the development and deployment of advanced space-based systems to stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies.
The nominations of both Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere and Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton come at a critical time for both the Air Force and Space Force. The Air Force is preparing to field the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, currently in testing, and the LGM-35A Sentinel, slated to replace the 400 fielded Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Space Force is taking on the responsibility to develop and field these new assets. However, the B-21 is on track, but the Sentinel faces large cost overruns and delays.
In addition, the Space Force is developing "counter-space" capabilities of its own to counter Russian and Chinese weapons that could threaten America's satellites. The Space Force is also advocating for more resources as it takes on an increasing number of responsibilities across the Department of Defense.
Meanwhile, Gen. Michael A. Guetlein is awaiting Senate confirmation for the newly created "direct reporting program manager for Golden Dome for America" role. Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein was tapped by President Donald Trump in May to lead the Golden Dome missile defense initiative.
The success of these nominees will depend on their ability to address these strategic challenges effectively. Their confirmation by the Senate Armed Services Committee and subsequent assumption of their new roles will mark a significant step in the continued development and modernization of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
- Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere's nomination for the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff position is awaiting Senate confirmation, after being submitted on July 15, 2025.
- Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton's nomination for the Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force also requires Senate confirmation, following its submission on the same date.
- As Vice Chief of Space Operations, Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton will need to counter space-based threats from countries like Russia and China.
- Gen. Michael A. Guetlein is awaiting Senate confirmation for the newly created "direct reporting program manager for Golden Dome for America" role.
- The Air Force is preparing to field the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, while the Space Force is taking on the responsibility to develop and field these new assets.
- The Space Force is advocating for more resources as it takes on an increasing number of responsibilities across the Department of Defense, including the finance aspect of these endeavors.
