Anthony J. Cotton
Anthony J. Cotton | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2021 | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1986–present |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Air Force Global Strike Command Air University Twentieth Air Force 45th Space Wing 341st Missile Wing 45th Operations Group |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (2) |
Anthony James Cotton[1] is a United States Air Force four-star general who has served as the commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command since August 27, 2021. He most recently served as the deputy commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command.[2] Prior to that, he was the president of the Air University.[3][4] In June 2021, he was nominated and in July confirmed for promotion to general and assignment as the next commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, succeeding Timothy Ray.[5][6]
Cotton is from Dudley, North Carolina, where he graduated from Southern Wayne High School in 1981. He is the son of James H. and Amy K. Cotton; his father was a chief master sergeant in the Air Force.[7] Anthony Cotton was commissioned through ROTC at North Carolina State University in 1986, where he also earned a bachelor's degree in political science.[7] Prior to his AFGSC service, Cotton commanded the 20th Air Force, served as deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, and was senior military assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.[8]
Awards and decorations[]
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Command Space Operations Badge |
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Command Missile Operations Badge |
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Office of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge |
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Headquarters Air Force Badge |
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
 |
Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster |
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Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster |
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Defense Meritorious Service Medal |
 
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Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster |
 
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Air Force Organizational Excellence Award |
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National Reconnaissance Office Distinguished Service Medal (Gold Medal) |
 |
Combat Readiness Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
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Global War on Terrorism Service Medal |
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Air and Space Campaign Medal |
 
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Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal with "N" device |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and two bronze oak leaf clusters |
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Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with service star |
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Air Force Training Ribbon |
Effective dates of promotions[]
| Rank | Date[2] |
|---|---|
 Second lieutenant |
June 7, 1986 |
 First lieutenant |
June 7, 1988 |
 Captain |
June 7, 1990 |
 Major |
March 1, 1998 |
 Lieutenant colonel |
March 1, 2002 |
 Colonel |
December 1, 2006 |
 Brigadier general |
November 10, 2011 |
 Major general |
July 6, 2015 |
 Lieutenant general |
February 15, 2018 |
 General |
August 27, 2021[9] |
References[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Anthony J. Cotton. |
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Government.
- ^ [1]
- ^ a b "Lieutenant General Anthony J. Cotton (USAF)". United States Air Force. 28 June 2021. Archived from the original on 28 June 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Harper, Brad (12 December 2019). "Air University leader has been nominated for Air Global Strike Command position in Louisiana". Montgomery Advertiser. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ Ramsouer, Tammie (15 February 2018). "Lt. Gen. Cotton assumes command of Air University". Maxwell Air Force Base. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
- ^ "PN741 – Lt. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton – Air Force, 117th Congress (2021–2022)". U.S. Congress. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
- ^ Cohen, Rachel (24 June 2021). "Cotton nominated to run Air Force's nuclear enterprise at pivotal time". Military Times. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
- ^ a b Calkins, Christopher (30 August 2011). "Cotton: Stay sharp; Our mission demands it". 45th Space Wing Public Affairs, Air Force Space Command. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ Leishman, Angeline (28 June 2021). "Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton Nominated to Lead AF Global Strike Command". executivegov.com. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
- ^ "General Anthony Cotton".
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