As technology continues to evolve, rising concerns for space dominance also grow. US Space Force’s top executive, Gen. Chance Saltzman, takes on a crucial role in handling the government’s most pressing problems in space.
In 2024, Gen. Saltzman won his second Wash100 award for his exceptional service and contributions in the space sector. Read on to learn about the life and career successes of Gen. Chance Saltzman.
Meet Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman leads the United States Space Force (USSF) as the Chief of Space Operations (CSO). Under his purview of responsibilities is to plan and organize training for equipping space forces. It includes organizing policies and overseeing space-related missions, capabilities, and workforce.
Given his diligent work within the space sector, Gen. Chance Saltzman has collected many major awards, including:
- Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
- Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters
- Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
- Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
- Defense Meritorious Service Medal
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
- Air and Space Achievement Medal
- Thomas D. White Space Award
- National Reconnaissance Office Gold Medal
Gen. Saltzman graduated with a BA in History from Boston University in 1991. He also obtained two master’s degrees, namely Public Administration from the University of Montana and Strategic Management from George Washington University.
Chance Saltzman: The USSF Leader is a Two-time Wash100 Awardee
Executive Mosaic’s Wash100 recognizes prominent GovCon industry leaders yearly. Wash100 awardees are top executives who showed outstanding service across public or private sectors. The award also acknowledges the winners’ accomplishments and contributions through meticulous selection.
Gen. Chance Saltzman has been named one of the Wash100 winners for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024. His great efforts in the space domain have secured him a spot in Wash100 wins. Let’s look at Gen. Saltzman’s Wash100 records of excellence as a space leader.
2023: Stewarding Tech-Driven Space Domain Security
Gen. Chance Saltzman’s first Wash100 award was given in 2023. This award acknowledges his leadership in the Space Force—improving military innovation and personnel development to create an operational dominance in space.
2024: Shaping Space Force Future Through Technology
On February 9, 2024, Chance Saltzman secured his second Wash100 award. This second reward recognizes his unwavering dedication to improving the service branch’s culture, alliances, and modern technology capabilities.
Gen. Saltzman’s notable contributions include his dedication to developing the military’s youngest service branch, USSF. He is known for releasing the USSF’s three lines of effort (LOEs): Field Combat-Ready Forces, Amplify the Guardian Spirit, and Partner to Win. These LOEs support the recently organized armed forces into a combat-ready force.
Chance Saltzman Leadership History
Gen. Chance Saltzman spent most of his time serving the USAF. In August 2020, Gen. Saltzman became the first general officer to attain the rank of lieutenant general upon shifting from the Air Force to the USSF. Before taking on his present position, Saltzman was the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear at the USSF.
Here is the most career timeline of Chance Saltzman:
- National Security Fellow at Kennedy School of Government (2008 – 2009)
- Director of Future Operations (AF/A3X) at the US Air Force (2016 – 2017)
- Director of Current Operations at the US Air Force (2017 – 2019)
- Deputy Commander for Air Force Central Command at the US Air Force (2019 – 2020)
- Chief Operations Officer at US Air Force (2020 – Present)
- Chief of Space Operations at US Air Force (2022 – Present)
We invite you to join the Potomac Officers Club 2024 Space Summit and learn from the discussions of space industry leaders. You may register for the event here.
About the United States Space Force
The United States Space Force (USSSF) is the youngest branch of the US military. It was established on December 20, 2019, under the S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act.
The Department of the Air Force organized and developed the establishment of the USSF. The military branch trains, prepares, and equips personnel in space operations to protect the US and its allies. Some of its work scope also includes handling Geographic Positioning System (GPS) constellation and missile detection networks.
