Douglas A. Schiess is the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, having been confirmed by the Senate to succeed Gen. Chance Saltzman as the third officer to hold the post since the branch was created in 2019 Air Force Times.
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Across a 34-year military career, Schiess served as an Air Force missile officer, transferred to the Space Force in 2022, and commanded U.S. Space Forces–Space before serving as deputy Chief of Space Operations Air Force Times Stars and Stripes.
Where Douglas A. Schiess Is Now
The Senate confirmed Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess on Thursday as the next Chief of Space Operations, making him the third officer to lead the service since the U.S. Space Force was established in 2019 Air Force Times.
- Current role: Chief of Space Operations Air Force Times
- Organization: U.S. Space Force Air Force Times
- Known for: Serving as the third Chief of Space Operations and succeeding Gen. Chance Saltzman Air Force Times
- Recent news: Confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as the next Chief of Space Operations Air Force Times
Military Career and Background
Schiess holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona Tech Times. He was commissioned in the Air Force on June 27, 1992, beginning his military career as an intercontinental ballistic missile commander at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota Tech Times.
During his service, Schiess operated the 2nd Space Operations Squadron GPS constellation at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado Tech Times. He served as an Air Force missile officer and held assignments in military launch, GPS, and satellite communications before commanding the 21st Space Wing and the 45th Space Wing Air Force Times. From 2018 to 2020, he commanded the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, overseeing launch operations for the Eastern Range Tech Times.
Schiess’s 34-year military career spans operational, staff, and joint assignments supporting U.S. Central Command, U.S. Space Command, and multinational operations Air Force Times. He transferred to the Space Force in 2022 Stars and Stripes.
Space Force Leadership Assignments
In December 2023, Schiess became the first-ever commander of U.S. Space Forces–Space Tech Times. He commanded U.S. Space Forces–Space before serving on the Space Force headquarters staff Air Force Times.
While serving on the headquarters staff, Schiess was deputy Chief of Space Operations, overseeing global operations, readiness, sustainment, and training Air Force Times.
Strategic Priorities and Stated Positions
At his confirmation hearing, Schiess stated that the Space Force’s purpose is deterrence rather than confrontation Air Force Times. He also told senators that space could be the start or at the very beginning of any future major conflict Tech Times.
In written responses to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Schiess indicated that he would prioritize linking force design, acquisition programs, and operational requirements, while focusing on expanding launch infrastructure, improving testing enterprise capabilities, and strengthening the acquisition workforce Air Force Times.
Schiess stated that his charge is to enable Guardians to write the Space Force’s next chapter, emphasized building combat credibility and expanding options provided to military and executive leadership, and pledged to be relentless in ensuring readiness, resilient capabilities, and strong partnerships Stars and Stripes. Speaking at the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Security Forum, he stated that artificial intelligence could accelerate time-intensive operations and enhance readiness Tech Times.