Michael Guetlein
Official portrait, 2024
Born (1967-11-22) November 22, 1967 (age 56)
Oklahoma, U.S.
AllegianceUnited States
Branch
United States Air Force
Years of service
1991–2021 (Air Force)
  • 2021–present (Space Force)
RankGeneral
Commands held
Vice Chief of Space Operations
Awards
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Alma mater
Oklahoma State University (BS)

Michael Anthony Guetlein (born November 22, 1967) is a United States Space Force general who serves as the second vice chief of space operations. He recently served as the first commander of Space Systems Command from 2021 to 2024. He previously served as the deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office from 2019 to 2021.

Guetlein was born and raised in Oklahoma. He joined the United States Air Force in 1991 after graduating from the Oklahoma State University. He is a career acquisitions officer who has worked in special operations, global power projection, missile warning and detection, and counterspace programs. He has commanded the Rapid Reaction Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, and the Space Force Element to the National Reconnaissance Office. He has also led Space and Missile Systems Center's Space-Based Infrared System Production Division and Remote Sensing Systems Directorate.

Guetlein transferred to the Space Force in 2021 while serving as NRO deputy director. In the same year, he became the inaugural commander of Space Systems Command. In 2023, he was nominated and confirmed for promotion to general and appointment as vice chief of space operations .

Early life and education

Guetlein was born on November 22, 1967.[1] He comes from a military family from Oklahoma. His father and grandfather both served in the United States Army, the latter serving during World War II.[2]

Guetlein graduated with a B.S. degree in mechanical aerospace engineering in 1991 from Oklahoma State University. In 1995, he received an MBA from the Wright State University. He also received a Master's degree in organizational management from the George Washington University in 1999 and a Master's in national security and policy making from the Naval War College. He also went to the Air War College. In 2011, he was part of the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program at SpaceX.[3]

Military career

Air Force

Guetlein (right) accepts the Space Systems Command flag from Gen John W. Raymond (left) during the SSC activation ceremony, 2021

As early as he was three years old, Guetlein wanted to be in the United States Air Force.[2]

Guetlein entered the Air Force on May 11, 1991, after earning his commission as a second lieutenant from the Oklahoma State University's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. From 1991 to 1993, he served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, starting as an AC-130U gunship support manager at the Special Operations Program Office for two years. He then went on to serve as chief of B-2 bomber propulsion at the B-2 Program Office until 1994. After that, he served as executive officer at the Engineering Directorate from 1994 to 1996.[3]

Guetlein speaking at the inaugural Space Force Ball, 2021

From 1996 to 1997, Guetlein was stationed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, first serving as an AC-130U gunship sortie generation flight commander for the 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit for six months. He then served AC-130H gunship flight commander for the 16th Aircraft Maintenance Unit. He was then assigned at the Pentagon as an intern at the Air Force headquarters, while he was studying at the George Washington University.[3]

Guetlein (left) promotes Buzz Aldrin to brigadier general, 2023

In 1999, Guetlein moved to Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, where he was assigned until 2004. From 1999 to 2002, he served as deputy program manager of the Space-Based Infrared System Ground Segment. He then served as director for Missile Warning Systems for a year. Afterwards, he served as executive officer.[3]

From 2005 to 2008, Guetlein was assigned at the Pentagon. First, he served as the counterspace program element monitor for over a year. He then served as a military assistant to the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition from 2006 to 2008. After his stint at the Pentagon, he served as commander of the Rapid Reaction Squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from 2008 to 2010.[3]

Guetlein (right) with United Launch Alliance CEO, Tory Bruno (left), 2023

After that, Guetlein went back to Los Angeles, serving as Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at SpaceX for a year. From 2011 to 2014, he served as senior materiel leader of the Space-Based Infrared System Production Division at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC). He then served as director of the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate from 2014 to 2017, during which time he was promoted to brigadier general.[3]

From 2017 to 2019, Guetlein served as program executive officer for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.[3] On July 9, 2019, Guetlein became deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). As deputy director, he also served as commander of the Air Force element to the NRO.[4]

Space Force

In 2021, Guetlein transferred into the Space Force. He was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and appointment as commander of Space Systems Command.[5][6] In July 2023, Guetlein was nominated for promotion to general and appointment as vice chief of space operations.[7][8] He was confirmed on December 19, 2023.[9] On December 21, 2023, he was promoted to general and assumed the position of VCSO, becoming only the second person to do so.[3]

Personal life

Guetlein is an outdoor enthusiast. He likes hiking, camping, the beach, and wine tasting.[2]

Awards and decorations

Lt Gen Greaves presents an award to Guetlein, 2016

Guetlein is the recipient of the following awards:[3]

Command Space Operations Badge
Air Force Master Acquisition and Financial Management Badge
Air Staff Badge
Defense Distinguished Service Medal[10]
Defense Superior Service Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 crimson ribbon with a pair of width-2 white stripes on the edges
 Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Width-44 crimson ribbon with two width-8 white stripes at distance 4 from the edges.
 Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
Silver oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters
Bronze star
Width=44 scarlet ribbon with a central width-4 golden yellow stripe, flanked by pairs of width-1 scarlet, white, Old Glory blue, and white stripes
 National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Silver oak leaf cluster
 Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver oak leaf cluster
Air Force Training Ribbon
NATO Medal (Yugoslavia)

Dates of promotion

Guetlein's family pins on his first star during his promotion ceremony to brigadier general, 2016
Rank Branch Date[3]
Second Lieutenant Air Force May 11, 1991
First Lieutenant July 20, 1993
Captain July 20, 1995
Major June 1, 2002
Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 2006
Colonel October 1, 2010
Brigadier General July 22, 2016
Major General September 24, 2019
Major General Space Force ~April 29, 2021
Lieutenant General August 13, 2021
General December 21, 2023

Writings

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michael A. Guetlein.
  1. ^ "Florida voter ID number 107518905". Family Search. October 26, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c Fisher, Paul (October 18, 2021). "A New South Bay Resident Pilots the Latest Chapter in El Segundo's Legendary Aerospace History". Southbay.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "General Michael A. Guetlein". United States Space Force. January 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ "USAF Major General Michael Guetlein becomes NRO deputy director". July 10, 2019.
  5. ^ "PN823 — Maj. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein — Space Force". U.S. Congress. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  6. ^ "General Officer Announcements". U.S. Department of Defense. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
  7. ^ "PN826 — Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein — Space Force, 118th Congress (2023-2024)". U.S. Congress. July 11, 2023. Retrieved July 12, 2023.
  8. ^ Hitchens, Theresa (July 12, 2023). "Biden nominates Space Force's Whiting to head SPACECOM". Breaking Defense. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  9. ^ "Senate confirms top military nominees, ending Tuberville's hold over promotions". POLITICO. December 19, 2023.
  10. ^ "NRO welcomes new deputy director, Maj. Gen. Donna Shipton".
Military offices New office Director of the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate 2014–2017 Succeeded byDennis Bythewood Preceded byWilliam T. Cooley Program Executive for Programs and Integration of the Missile Defense Agency 2017–2019 Succeeded byPhilip Garrant Preceded byMark Baird Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office 2019–2021 Succeeded byDonna D. Shipton New command Commander of Space Systems Command 2021–2023 Succeeded byD. Jason CothernActing Preceded byDavid D. Thompson Vice Chief of Space Operations 2023–present Incumbent
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