Overview

• The Senate has formally received his nomination, and a provisional changeover is targeted around Nov. 1.
• He would succeed Gen. David W. Allvin, who is retiring two years into his term, with a retirement ceremony set for Oct. 10.
• A fighter pilot who led Air Combat Command and previously headed Pacific Air Forces, Wilsbach has deep Indo-Pacific experience.
• His path was unconventional after stepping down and planning to retire, facing online criticism over past DEI remarks as Gen. Thomas Bussiere briefly rose as an alternative; Bussiere’s vice chief nomination was later pulled, according to reporting.
• As ACC commander he ordered sweeping inspections and new readiness metrics, and he does not support paused re-optimization moves such as the Integrated Capabilities Command and Deployable Combat Wings, which reporting indicates could be scrapped if he is confirmed.