Space Force Executive Appointments & Leadership Moves Space Defense & Militarization Defense Policy & Military Strategy

Gen. Douglas Schiess assumes command as the U.S. Space Force’s third chief of space operations

Gen. Douglas Schiess assumed command of the U.S. Space Force on Sept. 3 at Joint Base Andrews, succeeding Gen. B. Chance Saltzman. Promoted to four-star general, Schiess takes over as the service prepares for expansion in funding, personnel and missions amid competition with China.

Discovered 2026-09-03T13:05:26.247992-07:00 | 2026-09-03T13:05:26.247992-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Schiess’s appointment formalizes a leadership transition previously approved by the Senate, with the new chief succeeding Gen. Chance Saltzman.
He assumes command as the Space Force prepares to expand its funding, personnel and missions, making his priorities relevant to future defense programs and space strategy.
Schiess’s elevation to four-star general underscores the seniority of the role as the service develops amid competition with China.

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Stars and Stripes Space Policy Online Aviation Week DVIDS / U.S. DoD SpaceNews.com Air & Space Forces Mag