A leadership shake-up has rattled the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command headquarters at Hurlburt Field, Florida.
According to Newsweek, Command Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Green, who oversaw approximately 20,000 personnel as the senior enlisted leader of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), was removed from his position on Monday due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to fulfill his duties."
The sudden dismissal came through an internal memo distributed across AFSOC and later leaked on social media. While specific details surrounding Green's removal remain undisclosed, Air Force officials confirmed an ongoing investigation is underway. The command has already begun the process of selecting Green's replacement, though no timeline has been provided.
Command leadership addresses immediate concerns
AFSOC Commander Lieutenant General Conley addressed the situation through an organization-wide email that was subsequently leaked on a popular Air Force social media page. The message emphasized the gravity of the decision while maintaining operational focus.
In the leaked communication, Conley delivered the following message to AFSOC personnel:
Air Commandos, Last evening, I made the decision to relieve Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Green of his duties as our AFSOC Command Chief, effective immediately. This action was taken due to a loss of confidence in his ability to fulfill his duties. I want to assure you that this decision was only made after careful consideration of the circumstances.
The commander further stressed the importance of maintaining high standards and discipline within the organization, though specific details about the circumstances leading to Green's removal were not provided.
Distinguished military career comes to abrupt end
Green's Air Force service spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1995. His expertise in aircraft maintenance, particularly with C-130 aircraft, contributed to his steady rise through the enlisted ranks.
In May 2023, Green assumed the prestigious role of AFSOC command chief during a formal ceremony at Hurlburt Field. As one of only 11 command chiefs serving at the highest levels of Air Force leadership, he held significant influence over the special operations community.
The position Green held was among the most senior enlisted roles in the Air Force, serving as a key advisor to commanders at the highest levels of leadership. His responsibilities extended across AFSOC's expansive operations, including five wings located at bases in Florida, New Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Operational impact on special operations capabilities
AFSOC maintains a diverse fleet of specialized aircraft, including AC-130J/W gunships, MC-130H transport aircraft, CV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, U-28A intelligence gathering platforms, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and C-146A utility aircraft. These assets support critical global special operations missions.
The command has emphasized that despite the leadership change, their operational tempo and mission readiness remain unaffected. AFSOC officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining good order and discipline while continuing to execute their global responsibilities.
Following his removal, Green has been reassigned to a position outside of AFSOC headquarters, though details of his new role have not been disclosed.
Moving forward amid uncertainty
Command Chief Master Sergeant Anthony Green's dismissal from his position as AFSOC's senior enlisted leader occurred Monday at Hurlburt Field, Florida, following unspecified concerns about his ability to perform his duties. The decision, made by AFSOC leadership after careful deliberation, has prompted an ongoing investigation, though specific details remain confidential. As the command works to maintain operational effectiveness and select a new senior enlisted leader, Green has been reassigned outside of AFSOC headquarters, marking an unexpected end to his tenure overseeing the command's 20,000 personnel.
