As the Commander, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, Lt. Gen. John T. “Tom” Sheridan is responsible for managing the research, design, development, acquisition, and sustainment of space and missile systems, launch, command and control, and operational satellite systems. With more than 6,500 employees nationwide, General Sheridan is also responsible for an annual total budget ithat exceeds US$12 billion.
General Sheridan is the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space and is responsible for the Air Force Satellite Control Network; space launch and range programs; the Space-Based Infrared System Program; military satellite communication programs; the Global Positioning System; intercontinental ballistic missile programs; Defense Meteorological Satellite Program; the space superiority system programs and other emerging transformational space programs. To say his day is rather “full” is an understatement of gigantic proportions, yet he managed to reserve some time to discuss his role with MilsatMagazine... a big thank you to the General and his staff.
As the Commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center, you have an enormous responsibility in commanding a variety of wings responsible for the security of our nation and the improvement of warfighte communication. As the Program Executive Officer for Space and the Air Force Satellite Control Network, which projects do you feel will have the most positive impact for our country and those in service?
General Sheridan
I think all of our programs, once we deliver their capabilities to our users, will have a very positive impact. If you look at nation-wide (and even worldwide) impact, GPS is the best known and the most far-reaching of our programs. Nearly everyone in the U.S. is impacted in some way by GPS. Many use its navigation capabilities in their cars or while hiking, and almost everyone uses its timing capabilities when pumping gas using a credit card or using an ATM machine. The Air Force provides this incredible signal capability for free world-wide. Our Joint Forces use the military precision signals from GPS for most all of our operations.
Our MILSATCOM programs provide much of the wide-band communications in use by our deployed forces and almost all of the protected comms for strategic communications. Our DSP program, and soon our SBIRS program, provides state of the art global missile warning capability and contributes substantially to Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, and Technical Intelligence data.
Our EELV program is the backbone of un-manned launch capability for our nation. Our programs provide many other critical capabilities to our Joint warfighters too numerous to mention here.
You follow the command of Lieutenant General Hamel at SMC... due to the importance of this command, do you know what criteria was used to spotlight you for this position? Do you have a broad depth of experience within the MILSATCOM environment?
General Sheridan
Spotlight may be too strong of a word, but I am truly privileged to be given the opportunity to command this extraordinary center which has a tremendously dedicated workforce. Of my 33 years on active duty, some 26 of them have been in Space or Space related assignments. I have worked in both the classified and unclassified worlds, and been responsible for both program management and operational leadership. These positions have afforded me a broad depth of experience in the overall space and acquisition environment.
Your previous post was as the Deputy Director of the NRO — how different is your command at SMC?
General Sheridan
While at the NRO, I served as the first military Deputy Director. Given that over half of the NRO workforce is comprised of uniformed personnel, I think I was able to help represent them personally to the DNRO. In addition, I was able to bring a military perspective to the NRO front office operations. The day-to-day work at the NRO and SMC is similar. Both organizations are responsible for design, development, production, delivery on orbit, and sustainment of major National Security Space system capabilities. Both organizations are at the cutting edge of NSS development. While mission focus differs, the challenges both face are equally complex. Both have highly technical workforces which must be trained, nurtured, mentored, and retained.
General, you manage a huge budget for MILSATCOM. What should potential suppliers realize in order to become contenders in support of U.S.A.F. programs? What do you see as a common failing with submitted RFPs that drive a wedge between selection and non-selection?
General Sheridan
We follow the Federal Acquisition Regulations to the very best of our ability. We follow structured and disciplined process to ensure fairness in our evaluations. We attempt to communicate openly as often as possible with the prospective offerors. We encourage offerors to follow our RFP instructions to bidders and ask for clarification whenever needed.
With a background and education in acquisition, resource strategies, and security, your career development has been intense — how do you successfully juggle your Air Force career and your personal life with family and friends?
General Sheridan
I believe it is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You are right — the demands of the job are steep. I balance that with regular running three to four times per week. I find running helps me work over issues in my mind without interruption, and it’s just as equally important in maintaining a clear mind for decision-making. I have a very close and devoted family. My wife and I have been married more than 32 years, and we talk with each other every day, whether I’m away TDY or home. Good communication, whether at home or at work, is a key factor toward success.
What environments moved you into an interest of military satellite communication and use?
General Sheridan
My first job in the Air Force was with the AWACS SPO at Hanscom AFB. From there, I transitioned to working with NATO AWACS in Europe. Satcom is crucial to the success of that aircraft’s mission. My next assignment was to Sunnyvale, CA, where I began my career in space.
I eventually became A5 for AFSPC (Air Force Space Command), and was responsible for addressing the joint warfighter’s need for protected and unprotected satellite communication. This varied from in-field requirements, open sea requirements, to UAV requirements. I am very pleased to be working as the PEO for Space and working to develop new modern systems for military satellite communication.
Your past role as the Commandant of Air Command and Staff College witnessed the training of new officers and personnel for the U.S.A.F. How do today’s new officers stack up as competent individuals who add value to the service?
General Sheridan
We have an extraordinary cadre of men and women who make up the officer, enlisted, and civilian corps of the United States Air Force. General Bob Kehler, Commander of AFSPC, likes to say that one of his priorities is to make sure that the people coming up behind him are even better than the ones who came before. I couldn’t agree more — each day, the nature of threats to the country changes and the Air Force must be continuously evolving to meet those threats.
Our men and women today are the best and the brightest. They have been called upon to deploy to war far more often than many more senior military members, and they are performing brilliantly. I am confident that they will lead us successfully into the future.
You were promoted to Lieutenant General in May of 2008, a superb accomplishment. As a general officer, has the U.S.A.F. provided a suitable career environment others should consider?
General Sheridan
The Air Force offers everyone, from the most junior Airman Basic to the most senior four-star general, an incredible career environment, for so many reasons.
First, being an Airman of any grade or rank in the Air Force offers the opportunity to serve your country. We in the military have the special role of protecting and defending the nation.
Second, serving in the Air Force allows you to work on some incredible projects with some amazing individuals. In the Air Force, we develop some of the
most technologically cutting-edge systems ever invented, and in doing so, work with the best and brightest.
Third, one of the hallmarks of the Air Force is professional development — in whatever your career field is. There are incredible opportunities for education, training, and mentoring to develop leadership and life skills that serve you well in whatever you do.
And finally, you have a unique opportunity to live in many locations and communities. I’ve served in Massachusetts, Virginia, California, England, The Netherlands, Colorado, Alabama, and Washington, D.C., and traveled to every continent but Antarctica.
How do you select your staff officers for Wing command and project assignments?
General Sheridan
The process for selecting key staff varies depending on the assignment. For Wing/Group and Squadron commanders, we have a board who selects individuals competitively based on their record. There is a set process where they review previous assignments, performance evaluations, career, and other factors to choose from those who are qualified. For specific projects and key staff assignments at SMC, I get to select individuals. At lower levels within SMC, I trust my subordinate commanders and directors to choose the best individuals for the job at hand. Most important is living our Air Force Core Values — integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
Lastly, what do you see as the most important role for MILSATCOM over the next year or so?
General Sheridan
MILSATCOM plays key role in supporting the joint warfighters in Iraq, Afghanistan, and really all around the world. We are critically dependent on both military and commercial assets to keep information flowing to and from deployed forces. MILSATCOM systems enable command and control of ground forces, equipment, and other space systems, and they provide critical support to the global information grid that supports warfighters and national decision-makers.
We at SMC have the critical role of delivering new MILSATCOM capabilities in the next two years. AEHF and WGS will be launched, and we must check out and begin integrating these capabilities with the warfighter. In addition, we are continuing the early development of TSAT to ensure we’re on track for next generation of digital IP-based systems.