Michael Guetlein
{{short description|U.S. Space Force general}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox military person
| name = Michael Guetlein
| image = Gen Michael A. Guetlein.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Official portrait, 2024
| nickname =
| birth_place = Oklahoma, U.S.
| spouse = Rachel Guetlein
| children = 4
| death_date =
| death_place =
| placeofburial =
| birth_name =
| allegiance = United States
| branch = {{plainlist|United States Air Force
| branch_label = Branch
| serviceyears = {{plainlist|1991–2021 (Air Force)
- 2021–present (Space Force)}}
| rank = General
| servicenumber =
| unit =
| commands = {{plainlist|Vice Chief of Space Operations
- Space Systems Command
- Space Force Element to the National Reconnaissance Office
- Remote Sensing Systems Directorate
- Space-Based Infrared System Production Division
- Rapid Reaction Squadron}}
| battles =
| awards = {{plainlist|Defense Distinguished Service Medal
| alma_mater = {{plainlist|Oklahoma State University (BS)
| relations =
| laterwork =
| signature =
}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://sortedbybirthdate.com/small_pages/1967/19671122_1015.html |title=Florida voter ID number 107518905 |date=October 26, 2020 |publisher=Family Search |accessdate=November 22, 2020}}{{PD-notice}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.oursouthbay.com/a-new-south-bay-resident-pilots-the-latest-chapter-in-el-segundos-legendary-aerospace-history/|title=A New South Bay Resident Pilots the Latest Chapter in El Segundo's Legendary Aerospace History|first=Paul|last=Fisher|date=October 18, 2021|website=Southbay}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/Biographies/Display/Article/3632851/michael-a-guetlein/|title=General Michael A. Guetlein|date=January 2024|agency=United States Space Force|access-date=2024-01-11}}{{PD-notice}}
Military career
=Air Force=
File:SSC stands up, Guetlein takes command 210813-X-DC888-013.jpg 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.
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.
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.
File:SSC Hosts Ceremony for Legendary Astronaut and Fighter Pilot Buzz Aldrin’s Honorary Appointment to Brigadier General (7780218).jpg 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.
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.
File:SLD 45 hosts media round-table for 99th NSSL launch (7993936).jpg 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.
From 2017 to 2019, Guetlein served as program executive officer for programs and integration at the Missile Defense Agency in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. 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.{{Cite web|url=https://intelligencecommunitynews.com/usaf-major-general-michael-guetlein-becomes-nro-deputy-director/|title=USAF Major General Michael Guetlein becomes NRO deputy director|date=July 10, 2019}}
=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.{{Cite web|title=PN823 — Maj. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein — Space Force|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/117th-congress/823|access-date=2021-07-14|website=U.S. Congress}}{{cite web|title=General Officer Announcements |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2696419/general-officer-announcements/|access-date=2021-07-15|website=U.S. Department of Defense}} In July 2023, Guetlein was nominated for promotion to general and appointment as vice chief of space operations.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/118th-congress/826|title=PN826 — Lt. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein — Space Force, 118th Congress (2023-2024)|date=2023-07-11|access-date=2023-07-12|website=U.S. Congress}}{{cite web|last=Hitchens|first=Theresa|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/07/biden-nominates-space-forces-whiting-to-head-spacecom/|title=Biden nominates Space Force's Whiting to head SPACECOM|date=2023-07-12|access-date=2023-07-13|website=Breaking Defense}} He was confirmed on December 19, 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/12/19/senate-confirms-top-military-nominees-ending-tubervilles-hold-over-promotions-00132588|title=Senate confirms top military nominees, ending Tuberville's hold over promotions|date=December 19, 2023|website=POLITICO}} On December 21, 2023, he was promoted to general and assumed the position of VCSO, becoming only the second person to do so.
Personal life
Awards and decorations
File:Bythewood takes helm of Remote Sensing Systems Directorate 161228-F-DC888-201.jpg presents an award to Guetlein, 2016]]
Guetlein is the recipient of the following awards:
| 160px |
| File:Master Acquisition and Financial Management Badge.jpg
|Air Force Master Acquisition and Financial Management Badge |
| File:Space Staff Identification Badge.png
|Space Staff Badge |
| File:Headquarters US Air Force Badge.png
|Air Staff Badge |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Defense Distinguished Service Medal ribbon|width=60}}
|Defense Distinguished Service Medal{{Cite web|url=https://www.nro.gov/Media/Images/igphoto/2002827346/|title = NRO welcomes new deputy director, Maj. Gen. Donna Shipton}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Air Force Distinguished Service ribbon|width=60}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=US Defense Superior Service Medal ribbon|width=60}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=1|name=Legion of Merit ribbon|width=60}}
|Legion of Merit with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
| {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Meritorious Service ribbon|width=60}}
|Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
| {{ribbon devices|number=3|type=oak|name=Air Force Commendation ribbon|width=60}}
|Air Force Commendation Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters |
| {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=oak|name=Air Force Achievement Medal ribbon|width=60}}
|Air Force Achievement Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
| {{ribbon devices|number=7|type=oak|name=Organizational Excellence ribbon|width=60}}
|Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
| {{ribbon devices|number=1|type=service-star|name=National Defense Service Medal ribbon|width=60}}
|National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Global War on Terrorism Service ribbon|width=60}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=oak|name=Armed Forces Service Medal ribbon|width=60}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=5|type=oak|name=Longevity Service Award USAF|width=60}}
|Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver oak leaf cluster |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=Air Force Training Ribbon|width=60}} |
| {{ribbon devices|number=0|type=service-star|name=NATO Medal Yugoslavia ribbon bar|width=60}}
|NATO Medal (Yugoslavia) |
Dates of promotion
File:Brig Gen Michael A. Guetlein promotion ceremony (1).jpg
| class="wikitable"
|+ | ||
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO1|75}} Second Lieutenant | rowspan=8|Air Force | May 11, 1991 |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO2|75}} First Lieutenant | July 20, 1993 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO3|75}} Captain | July 20, 1995 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO4|75}} Major | June 1, 2002 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO5|75}} Lieutenant Colonel | March 1, 2006 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO6|75}} Colonel | October 1, 2010 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO7|75}} Brigadier General | July 22, 2016 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO8|75}} Major General | September 24, 2019 | |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO8|75}} Major General | rowspan=3|Space Force | ~April 29, 2021 |
| | {{Dodseal|USAFO9|75}} Lieutenant General | August 13, 2021 | |
| | 75px General | December 21, 2023 |
Writings
- {{cite thesis |type=M.S. |date=February 14, 2005 |title=Lethal Autonomous Weapons — Ethical and Doctrinal Implications |publisher=Naval War College |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA464896.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102060111/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA464896.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=November 2, 2021}}
References
{{commonscat}}
{{reflist}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-mil}}
{{s-new|office}}
{{s-ttl|title=Director of the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate|years=2014–2017}}
{{s-aft|after=Dennis Bythewood}}
{{s-bef|before=William T. Cooley}}
{{s-ttl|title=Program Executive for Programs and Integration of the Missile Defense Agency|years=2017–2019}}
{{s-aft|after=Philip Garrant}}
{{s-bef|before=Mark Baird}}
{{s-ttl|title=Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office|years=2019–2021}}
{{s-aft|after=Donna D. Shipton}}
{{s-new|command}}
{{s-ttl|title=Commander of Space Systems Command|years=2021–2023}}
{{s-aft|after=Philip Garrant}}
{{s-bef|before=David D. Thompson}}
{{s-ttl|title=Vice Chief of Space Operations|years=2023–present}}
{{s-inc}}
{{s-end}}
{{VCSO}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Guetlein, Michael}}
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)
Category:United States Air Force generals
Category:United States Space Force generals
Category:Vice Chiefs of Space Operations
Category:Office of the Chief of Space Operations personnel
Category:Oklahoma State University alumni
Category:Wright State University alumni
Category:George Washington University alumni
Category:Naval War College alumni
Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit
Category:Recipients of the Defense Superior Service Medal
Category:Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Category:Recipients of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal