Experts

General Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (ret.) serves on the Advisory Board of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is also a Distinguished Professor at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Council.

Mr. Breedlove served for 39 years in the United States Air Force, culminating his career as one of six geographic Combatant Commanders and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. As Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and the Commander of U.S. 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. Previously, as Commander, U.S. 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. 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. 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.

Mr. Breedlove earned his Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree from The Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Science in Aerospace Technology from Arizona State University, and a Master of Science in International Security Affairs from the National War College.