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 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]
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]
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] On May 20, 2025 President Trump nominated General Guetlein for appointment as the Program Manager for the newly initiated Golden Dome missile defense initiative.[10][11] His nomination was sent to the Senate on June 16, 2025.[12]
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]
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