Gen. Bruce A. Carlson, USAF (Retired)
Director, National Reconnaissance Office
General Carlson was appointed the 17th director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) in June. Carlson’s most recent Air Force assignments include commander, Air Force Materiel Command, commander of the 8th Air Force, and joint functional component commander for space and global strike at the United States Strategic Command. He is experienced in multiple aircraft weapons systems, a command pilot, and has combat experience as a forward air controller. Carlson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Arts degree from Webster University, and a Master of Arts degree from the Naval War College.