The Air Force’s former top enlisted leader for special operations is facing serious criminal charges many never saw coming.
According to The Intercept, Anthony Green, who served as the command chief of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), has been formally accused of crimes related to child pornography and other offenses following a probe by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Green, an Air Force veteran with roots in C-130 maintenance and a senior adviser to global special operations leaders, was removed from his post in April 2025 without an explanation — until now.
Allegations Spark Reaction Across the Ranks
At the time of his dismissal, the Air Force issued a vague statement citing a “loss of confidence in his ability to fulfill his duties.” They said nothing about the criminal investigation brewing in the background, creating a storm of speculation among service members.
The mystery surrounding Green's sudden exit left many scratching their heads or guessing aloud on social media. Some pinned the move on political turbulence, tossing around theories with not a shred of proof. Those ideas haven’t aged well in light of the confirmed charges. The Air Force has now acknowledged that Green has been charged with multiple offenses: possession, viewing, and production of child pornography, plus indecent recording and obstruction of justice.
Air Force Keeps Lid Tight on Details
The charges were discreetly listed on an Air Force website rather than publicized with a press conference or formal release. Apparently, full transparency only applies when it’s convenient.
Green is still on active duty and currently working a desk job as a special assistant at the 96th Test Wing, based out of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. That’s a long way down from the global post he occupied just months earlier, but still feels like a strangely quiet corner given the nature of the allegations. According to Air Force officials, all the criminal activity tied to the charges occurred at Hurlburt Field, Florida — home to many of AFSOC’s elite operators.
Next Legal Step Slated for February
A preliminary hearing is set under Article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, scheduled for February 10, 2026. This session will serve as the military equivalent of a grand jury proceeding, deciding whether the case proceeds to a full court-martial.
A hearing officer will weigh the evidence, hear witness testimony, and then advise whether Green’s trial should move forward under the UCMJ. Until then, court documents and further updates are being kept under wraps, which may suit the Pentagon’s PR preferences, but does little for public accountability. The Air Force confirmed the charges in a comment to The Intercept, stating clearly that Green “has already been formally charged.” That confirmation — though overdue — at least ended the unanswered questions swirling within the ranks.
Fallen from Command of the Elite
Green joined the Air Force in 1995 and steadily rose through the ranks. Before his appointment to AFSOC’s senior-most enlisted role, he gained experience in the maintenance community — a sector that has faced scrutiny over internal misconduct among senior personnel.
In 2023, he reached the peak of his career by becoming the 11th AFSOC command chief, overseeing more than 22,000 Air Commandos worldwide. His role was to serve as a bridge between enlisted personnel and senior leadership — particularly on matters of discipline, morale, and readiness.
AFSOC teams operate out of locations such as Cannon AFB in New Mexico, RAF Mildenhall in the UK, and Kadena Air Base in Japan. From that perch, Green once wielded enormous influence over the Air Force’s most elite warriors — a responsibility that now serves as a stark contrast to the charges he's facing.
Disgrace Overshadows Distinguished Appearance
While the Air Force has stated their respect for “Air Commando” history — those who carry out unconventional, combat-heavy roles — that honorable tradition is now overshadowed by this scandal involving one of their own.
There’s no denying the seriousness of the crimes alleged. But in true modern bureaucratic fashion, the Air Force dribbled out the facts without ever offering a full picture, treating a major scandal like a classified memo. If trust and integrity still matter in our military institutions, one would hope this case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. No position — no matter how senior — should shield anyone from the law or from public scrutiny.
