Philip Breedlove

Philip Breedlove is a retired United States Air Force general who served as the 17th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) from 2013 to 2016. In this dual-hatted role, he also commanded United States European Command (EUCOM), overseeing all U.S. military forces in the European theater. His tenure was defined by responding to Russia's annexation of Crimea and the subsequent war in Eastern Ukraine, significantly shaping NATO's strategic posture and military readiness on the continent.

Early life and education

Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology where he participated in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil engineering and was commissioned as a Second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1977. He later furthered his military education at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base and the National War College at Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C..

Military career

Following commissioning, he completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon, serving in various operational and staff assignments. His command posts included leading the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, the Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, and United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). He served as the Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force from 2012 to 2013 before his appointment to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

Supreme Allied Commander Europe

Appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate, he assumed command of NATO and United States European Command in May 2013. His command was immediately tested by the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and the ensuing Russo-Ukrainian War. He was a vocal advocate for a robust NATO response, overseeing the implementation of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence and the establishment of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). He frequently warned of Russia's hybrid warfare tactics and its military activities in Syria, emphasizing the need for alliance adaptation and deterrence.

Post-military career and advocacy

After retiring from the United States Air Force in 2016, he joined the German Marshall Fund of the United States as a distinguished fellow. He has been a senior advisor at the Cohen Group and serves on the board of directors for Sierra Nevada Corporation. A frequent commentator on security issues, he has testified before the United States Congress and contributed to policy discussions at institutions like the Atlantic Council and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, consistently advocating for strong transatlantic security cooperation and support for Ukraine.

Awards and decorations

His personal military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. He is also a recipient of numerous NATO and international service awards, including the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.

Category:1955 births Category:United States Air Force generals Category:Recipients of the Bronze Star Medal Category:Supreme Allied Commanders Europe Category:Georgia Institute of Technology alumni