Colonel Michael S. Cornelius is the Commander, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado. The Preparatory School executes a 10-month highly structured regimen taking Cadet Candidates through basic training to focusing on academics, military training, athletics and character development. Completion of this challenging program for these outstanding young men and women provides them an opportunity to gain an appointment and lead at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Colonel Cornelius graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2000 and is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School. Following his commission, he went on to serve as a Weapon Systems Officer in the B-1 bomber and supported multiple combat deployments. Over his career he served in leadership roles at the squadron, group, wing, component and major command levels.

Executive Leadership Program in Managing for Inclusion, Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, Washington, D.C. (2023)
Inspector General Training Course, Complaints Resolution, Va. (2019)
Readiness Exercise Advanced Planning, Execution and Reporting (REAPER) Course, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. (2019)
Inspector General Training Course, Inspector, Kirtland AFB, N.M. (2019)
Air War College (by correspondence) (2016)
Safety and Accident Investigation Board President Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M. (2015)
Chief of Safety Course, Kirtland AFB, N.M. (2015)
Special Technical Operations Planners Course, Ramstein Air Base, Germany (2013)
Air Operations Center Initial Qualification Training, Hurlburt Field, Fla. (2012)
Master of Military Operational Art and Science, Air University, Ala. (2012)
Air Command and Staff College (in residence) (2012)
Masters of Aeronautical/Aviation Science and Technology, Embry-Riddle, Fla. (2011)
U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, Nellis AFB, Nev. (2007)
Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2006)
Electronic Warfare Coordinator Course, Randolph AFB, Texas (2005)
Electronic Combat Coordinator Course, Randolph AFB, Texas (2004)
B-1 Initial Qualification Course, Dyess AFB, Texas (2003)
Electronic Warfare Upgrade Course, Randolph AFB, Texas (2002)
Joint Undergraduate Navigator Training, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. (2001)
Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Sciences, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2000)

Commander, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (June 2022-Present)
Deputy Director, USAFE-SOCEUR Joint Integration Coordination Cell (JICC), Ramstein Air Base, Germany (May 2021-May 2022)
Chief of Combat Operations, 603 Air Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany (June 2020-May 2021)
Inspector General, 7 Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas (June 2019-June 2020)
Commander, 77 Weapons Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (May 2017-May 2019)
Director of Operations, 77 Weapons Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (May 2016-May 2017)
Chief of Safety, 7 Bomb Wing, Dyess AFB, Texas (July 2015-May 2016)
Chief, Targeting Effects Team, 603 Air Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany (June 2013-June 2015)
Chief, Master Air Attack Plan Team, 603 Air Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany (August 2012-June 2013)
Assistant Director of Operations and Weapons School Instructor, 77 Weapons Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (October 2010-June 2011)
Flight Commander and Weapons School Instructor, 77 Weapons Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (October 2009-October 2010)
Deputy Wing Weapons Officer, 7 Operational Support Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (June 2009-October 2009)
Chief, Weapons and Tactics, 28 Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (June 2008-June 2009)
Deputy Chief, B-1 Flight Instructor Course, 28 Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (June 2007-June 2008)
Wing Electronic Warfare Officer, 28 Operational Support Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. (October 2005-December 2006)
B-1 Weapon Systems Officer and Instructor, 34 Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. (March 2003-October 2005)
Student, B-1 Initial Qualification Training, 28 Bomb Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas (July 2002-March 2003)
Student, Joint Undergraduate Navigator Training, NASP, Fla. (August 2000-September 2001)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device and eight oak leaf clusters
Combat Readiness Medal with one oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal
Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long with one oak leaf cluster
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and three oak leaf clusters
Air Force Longevity Service with four oak leaf clusters
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon