General (ret’d) Philip M. Breedlove

Philip “Phil” Breedlove is a proven strategic planner, a motivational leader and talented communicator. He is a highly decorated retired General of the United States Air Force reaching the pinnacle of the United States Military as one of six geographic Combatant Commanders and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO.

During 39 years of service, he held a variety of demanding command and staff positions. He has led large-scale, diverse, global operations across two theaters of combat. He earned a reputation as an inspirational leader who was focused on his people, their families and mission accomplishment. Leading a diverse political-military alliance he was able to build consensus and form teams to accomplish complex tasks spanning multiple continents.

As the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and the Commander of US European Command— in his NATO capacity he answered directly to the North Atlantic Council, and in his US capacity he answered directly to the President of the United States and Secretary of Defense. He led the most comprehensive and strategic structural and policy security changes in the alliance’s 70 year history. His diplomatic skills assured allies, deterred potential aggressors and maintained alliance unity during the most dynamic and challenging period since its inception. He led the forces of 28 nations and multiple partners insuring the security of an alliance accounting for over half the world’s GDP.

As Commander, US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, he was responsible for organizing, training, equipping and maintaining combat ready forces while ensuring theater air defense forces were ready to meet the challenges of peacetime air sovereignty and wartime defense. This diverse portfolio included both theater and operational air and ballistic missile defense where his operational designs stand guard today.

As Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, he presided over the Air Staff and served as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group during a period of intense challenge as the Budget Control Act required a $480 billion reduction of the DOD budget. Accordingly, he led the organization, training and equipping of over 690,000 people serving in the United States Air Force and provided oversight of its $120 billion annual budget.

As Assistant Chief of Staff for Air Operations, Plans and Requirements, he directed all Air Force operations across the globe, oversaw strategic and operational planning and set the requirements for all Air Force procurement. Additionally, he was one of two original authors who developed the DOD’s Air-Sea Battle Concept.

He held a variety of additional assignments including command of a squadron, a group, three fighter wings and a Numbered Air Force in service across three different continents. His extensive command and control experience in wartime, contingency and humanitarian relief actions include operations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

He earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from The Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Aerospace Technology from Arizona State University. Additionally, he completed a Masters of International Security Affairs from the National War College, A Fellowship in International Security Affairs, Seminar XXI from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and completed Leadership at the Peak at the Center for Creative Leadership Colorado Springs.

He is currently serving on the Sam Nunn School Advisory Board, as a Distinguished Professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs at Georgia Tech, as the CEO Emerald Coast Strategic Solutions, and on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council.