Lohmeier Appointed as the Second-in-Command of the Air Force's Civilian Leadership
New Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier Takes Office, Promises Accountability
Matthew Lohmeier, a 2006 Air Force Academy graduate and former F-15 fighter pilot, has been confirmed as the 29th Under Secretary of the Air Force. The Senate voted 52-46 in his favour on July 24, 2025.
Lohmeier's political background is shaped by his service and public commentary aligned with conservative views. He was previously dismissed from command due to controversy over comments on a conservative podcast that were investigated as potentially prohibited partisan rhetoric. However, his nomination was cheered by those who contend he was wrongly targeted for his political beliefs.
In his new role, Lohmeier emphasizes a strategic perspective and management expertise focused on organizing, training, and equipping both the U.S. Air Force and Space Force. His stated priorities include strengthening readiness and service culture, advocating for resources, and advancing modernization of the forces.
Lohmeier believes China poses the greatest military threat to the forces and is committed to ensuring modernization timelines are ahead of China's. He is also a vocal critic of the Pentagon's cancelled coronavirus vaccine mandate.
At his confirmation hearing, Lohmeier pledged to address "quality of life" and "quality of service" concerns that have pushed fighter pilots to leave the service. He also expressed concern about partisan rhetoric being inserted into the military workplace, potentially causing division among troops.
Lohmeier's nomination has been met with scrutiny, with Senators questioning his social media activity, including posts about the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed questioned Lohmeier's ability to represent troops who may disagree with his politics.
Despite these controversies, Lohmeier's nomination is being seen as a chance to evaluate the kind of leadership needed in the Air Force and Space Force at this pivotal moment. His predecessor, Melissa Dalton, suggested he could be a key voice in deterring Chinese aggression, coalition building, and addressing joint problems like air base defense and troubled acquisition programs.
Lohmeier will oversee nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, and an annual budget of over $200 billion. His nomination is also being viewed as a reflection of support from Republican and some Democratic senators, despite past partisan controversy.
Lohmeier's commitment to a "culture of accountability" in the Department of the Air Force, but not out of vindictiveness, underscores his focus on ensuring the welfare of service members and their families. Since leaving the Space Force in September 2021, Lohmeier has become a public speaker and consultant on military culture and the preservation of liberty. His latest book, "Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military," published in 2021, further demonstrates his dedication to these issues.
In summary, Lohmeier's confirmation as Under Secretary of the Air Force reflects a divided but ultimately bipartisan acceptance for his role. His political background, combined with his service and public commentary, positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
- Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier, a former F-15 fighter pilot, will oversee the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, managing a workforce of nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and their families, with an annual budget above $200 billion.
- Lohmeier, who believes China poses the greatest military threat, is committed to ensuring modernization timelines are ahead of China's and strengthening readiness and service culture.
- In his new role, he intends to address quality of life and quality of service concerns that have driven fighter pilots to leave the service and combat partisan rhetoric in the military workplace.
- Lohmeier, a vocal critic of the Pentagon's cancelled coronavirus vaccine mandate, has also expressed concern about the insertion of partisan rhetoric into the military and the impact it could have on troops.
- Despite scrutiny over his social media activity and past partisan controversy, Lohmeier's nomination is being seen as an opportunity to examine the kind of leadership required in the Air Force and Space Force at this critical juncture.
- Lohmeier's stance against partisan politics extends beyond the military, as seen in his publication, "Irresistible Revolution: Marxism's Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military," which reaffirms his dedication to preserving liberty.
