Bio
Lieutenant Colonel Brian Yoakam currently serves as an instructor in the Department of Political Science at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Since his time there, he has taught American Government, Politics, and National Security. Lieutenant Colonel Yoakam is a career space officer with over 15 years of experience at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels of military leadership.
After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2007, he served as DSP/SBIRS crew commander, AETC instructor, deployed space duty officer, and chief of SBIRS weapons and tactics. While at Pacific Air Forces, he served on the Commander’s Action Group and was the executive officer to the Deputy Commander. Lieutenant Colonel Yoakam was hand-picked to serve in the Schriever Space Scholars inaugural class at Air Command and Staff College. Upon graduation, he helped to establish and develop the nation’s newest combatant command – United States Space Command.
Lieutenant Colonel Yoakam earned his M.A. in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C., specializing in Applied Politics. The concentration focused on the intricacies of American public policy, public affairs, and advocacy. Its comprehensive curriculum covered nuanced lobbying practices, the intersection of women and political leadership, and the strategic elements, themes, and messaging inherent in effective campaign management. Brian has been married to his wife, Emily, for over 10 years, and they have two beautiful boys.
Education
Master of Arts, Political Science, American University (2023)
Master of Military Operational Art and Science, USAF Air Command and Staff College (2019)
Master of Science, Space Operations, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2014)
Squadron Officer School (Distinguished Graduate), Air University (2014)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Virginia (2007)
Professional Experience
Political Science Instructor, U.S. Air Force Academy, 2023 – Current
Branch Chief, J33 Operations and Integration, U.S. Space Command, 2019 – 2022
Schriever Space Scholar, USAF Air Command and Staff College, 2018 – 2019
Commander’s Action Group, Pacific Air Forces, 2018
Executive Officer to the Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces, 2017 – 2018
Chief, Strategy Guidance Team, 613th AOC, Pacific Air Forces, 2016 – 2017
Deputy Chief, MAAP Team, 613th AOC, Pacific Air Forces, 2014 – 2016
Chief, SBIRS Training, 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, 2013 – 2014
Executive Officer to 380th Mission Support Group, Al Dhafra AB, UAE, 2013
AETC SBIRS Instructor, 533rd Training Squadron, Vandenberg SFB, 2011 – 2013
Chief, Weapons and Tactics, 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley SFB, 2010 – 2011
Space Duty Officer, 609th AOC, Al Udeid AB, QAT, 2009 – 2010
Chief, SBIRS Missile Defense Integration, 460th Operations Support Squadron, Buckley SFB, 2009
DSP/SBIRS Crew Commander, 2nd Space Warning Squadron, Buckley SFB, 2007 – 2009
Research and Scholarly Interests
American Government and Politics
American Presidency
Campaign Management
Political Behavior and Elections