Major Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III is an F-15E fighter pilot, airpower strategist, and national security thought leader with over 1,500 flight hours—including 344 in combat. A Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and current Fellow at the Institute for Future Conflict, he researches emerging technologies, global security trends, and the future of airpower. His focus areas include Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and drone applications, leveraging both operational experience and policy expertise to help the Air Force adapt to rapidly evolving threats. He has led combat operations in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and was selected as a Rising Leader Fellow with the Aspen Security Group.

Joseph holds a master’s in public policy and a PMP certification, and he previously served on the Board of Directors for the USAFA Association of Graduates, where he championed initiatives supporting more than 50,000 alumni. His work bridges tactical credibility with strategic foresight, positioning him as a trusted voice in defense innovation. Originally from Quarryville, Pennsylvania, he is a devoted husband and father of three, committed to building strong communities at home and in the Air Force.

Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala, by correspondence (2024)

Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala (2016)

Master of Public Policy; International Security and Economic Policy, University of Maryland, College Park (2013)

Distinguished Graduate, Bachelor of Science, Biology, United States Air Force Academy (2011)

Intermediate Development Education Fellow, Institute for Future Conflict, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado (July 2024 – Present)

Deputy Chief of Staff, F-15E & F-15SG Evaluator Pilot, 366th Fighter Wing A-Staff, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho (June 2023 – July 2024)

Director of Staff, F-15E & F-15SG Evaluator Pilot, 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho (June 2022 – June 2023)

Assistant Director of Operations, Chief of Standardization and Evaluations, F-15E and F-15SG Evaluator Pilot, 428th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho (August 2021 – June 2022)

Assistant Director of Operations, Chief of Courseware, F-15E Evaluator Pilot, 4th Training Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. (November 2021 – August 2021)

Flight Commander, F-15E Instructor Pilot, 333d Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. (January 2019 – November 2021)

Operation Inherent Resolve, 336th Fighter Squadron (deployed), Undisclosed Location, Southwest Asia) (October 2017 – April 2018)

Chief of Plans & Readiness, F-15E Multi-ship Flight Lead, 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. (January 2016 – January 2019)

Student, F-15E Basic Course, 334th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina (October 2014 – January 2016)

Pilot Training Student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas (June 2013 – October 2014)

Graduate Student, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland (May 2011 – June 2013)

Meritorious Serve Medal with one oak leave cluster

Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Aerial Achievement Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster

Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with one service star

Combat Readiness Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold boarder

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Other Achievements

Project Management Professional Certification

Mission43 Leadership Fellow

Board of Directors, United States Air Force Academy Alumni Association

Aspen Security Group Rising Leaders Fellowship

2019 9th Air Force Allison Award Winner

2019 9th Air Force Aircrew of the Year Award

2019 9Th Air Force Jabara Award Winner

2019 Distinguished Graduate, F-15E Instructor Course

2011 Distinguished Graduate, United States Air Force Academy