Robert J. Elder Jr.

Lieutenant General Robert J. "Bob" Elder Jr. (born October 15, 1952)[1] is the former Commander, 8th Air Force;[2] Commander, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana; and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space and Global Strike, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He is now a member of the research faculty at George Mason University. As one of three active-duty numbered air forces in Air Combat Command, 8th Air Force provides long-range global strike, battle management, surveillance and reconnaissance, intelligence, information operations, tactical air control, and expeditionary heavy construction capabilities to combatant commanders. The "Mighty Eighth" also conducted computer network operations as the Air Force component to the Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations before that duty was transferred to 24th Air Force, and trains Air and Space Operations Center personnel for worldwide deployment and participation in the multinational Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment.

Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder Jr.
U.S. Air Force Photo
Nickname(s)"Bob"
Born (1952-10-15) October 15, 1952
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Air Force
Years of service1975–2009
Rank Lieutenant general
UnitAir Force Network Operations
Joint Functional Component Command for Global Strike and Integration
Commands held8th Air Force
596th Bombardment Squadron
5th Bomb Wing
Battles/warsOperation Iraqi Freedom
Operation Enduring Freedom
AwardsDefense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal

As the Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and Global Strike, General Elder serves as the lead integrator for USSTRATCOM crisis action planning, conducts global strike planning to deliver rapid, extended range, kinetic and non-kinetic effects in support of theater and national objectives, and provides situational awareness and integrated analysis of global mission capabilities for all STRATCOM operational responsibilities. General Elder also commands Task Force 204, which is responsible for monitoring all nuclear bomber, reconnaissance, and cruise missile generation operations. The Task Force 204 battlestaff is a cross-functional team that manages the generation, sustainment, logistics, security and safety of more than 100 B-2, B-52 Stratofortress, U-2, EP-3 and RC-135 aircraft at seven bases.

Biography

Education

  • 1970 University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Michigan[3]
  • 1975 Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, University of Detroit, Michigan
  • 1975 Master's degree in engineering, University of Detroit, Michigan
  • 1979 Squadron Officer School, by correspondence
  • 1985 Doctor of Engineering, University of Detroit, Michigan
  • 1987 Distinguished graduate, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
  • 1989 Air War College, by seminar
  • 1991 National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.
  • 1997 Senior Executive Program, Columbia University Graduate School of Business, New York, N.Y.
  • 2001 Senior Executive Course, George C. Marshall College of International and Security Studies, Garmisch, Germany
  • 2002 Combined Force Air Component Commander Course, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
  • 2005 Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course, Maxwell AFB, Alabama
  • 2005 Systems Acquisition Management for General/Flag Officers Course, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
  • 2006 Pinnacle Course, National Defense University, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.

Assignments

Flight information

Awards/Decorations

Promotions

  • Second lieutenant May 10, 1975[3]
  • First lieutenant December 4, 1977
  • Captain December 1, 1979
  • Major August 1, 1984
  • Lieutenant colonel July 1, 1988
  • Colonel January 1, 1992
  • Brigadier general January 1, 2000
  • Major general October 1, 2003
  • Lieutenant general June 13, 2006

Works

Published works

  • "Non-Invasive Assessment of Pilot Workload with Flight Computer Generated Primary Measures," doctoral dissertation, University Microfilm International, 1985
  • "A Strategic Approach to Advanced Technology Trade with the Soviet Union," Comparative Strategy, January–March 1992

See also

References

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