A top Air Force commander has stepped down from his position, citing personal reasons.
Gen. Thomas Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, announced his retirement Tuesday for personal and family reasons, according to The Hill. His departure follows the withdrawal of his nomination for Air Force vice chief of staff and comes amid sweeping military reforms.
Bussiere has commanded Air Force Global Strike Command since December 2022. The Trump administration had nominated him over the summer to serve as the Air Force's vice chief of staff.
Personal Decision Drives Departure
Bussiere shared his decision on Facebook, explaining the difficult choice he and his wife made. "After much reflection and with a full heart, Barb and I have made a difficult decision to request retirement from the United States Air Force for personal and family reasons," he stated.
Despite stepping away from active duty, the general emphasized his ongoing dedication to service. He expressed his commitment to finding new ways to support the Air Force and national defense.
The retirement announcement comes after his nomination for vice chief of staff was withdrawn in early September. Aviation Week reported the withdrawal, which occurred before his Tuesday retirement announcement.
Defense Secretary's Reform Push
Bussiere's retirement came hours after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a meeting with top military officials in Quantico, Virginia. Hegseth announced raised fitness standards and overhauled complaint and investigation processes during the gathering.
The defense secretary delivered a pointed message to military leadership at the meeting. "If the words I'm speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign," Hegseth told admirals and generals.
The timing of Bussiere's announcement suggests potential connections to the broader reform efforts. The general's departure adds to recent leadership changes across military branches.
Broader Air Force Leadership Transitions
The former Air Force vice chief of staff, Gen. James Slife, was fired in February. This created the vacancy that Bussiere was originally nominated to fill.
In August, the Air Force announced that Gen. David Allvin, the service's chief of staff, would retire in November. Allvin is leaving after serving only two years of his four-year term.
The Trump administration has nominated Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, a four-star general and longtime fighter pilot, to be the next Air Force chief of staff. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink has expressed strong support for this nomination.
Looking Forward Despite Changes
Bussiere maintained an optimistic tone about his future despite leaving active duty. "While I'm stepping away from active duty, my commitment to service remains," he said in his Facebook statement.
The general expressed interest in continuing to contribute to national defense in new capacities. He specifically mentioned looking forward to supporting the Air Force and the people who serve in it.
Secretary Meink praised the incoming leadership, particularly Wilsbach's nomination as chief of staff. "I am pleased to support the nomination of General Kenneth Wilsbach to serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Air Force," Meink stated, highlighting the general's combat experience and global leadership background.
