Education:
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Enterprise Leadership Seminar, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (2012)
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Master of Strategic Studies degree, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2006)
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Master of Military Arts and Sciences degree, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan. (1999)
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Bachelor's degree in political science, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (1988)
full biography
Major General Mike “Skeeter” Rothstein US Air Force (ret) is a senior consultant for Two Blue Aces, LLC. Mike transitioned from the Air Force in 2019 after 31 years of service. He brings diverse, practical leadership experience ranging from combat operations and aviation training to international relations, post-graduate education and program management. His focus areas include leader and organizational development, strategic planning, international relations and strategic communication.
In his last assignment Mike held two roles. As the Vice Commander of Air University, he oversaw all facets of 10 assigned commands which collectively graduated 50,000 resident and 120,000 non-resident students annually. As the Commander of the Lemay Center for Doctrine Development & Education, Mike was responsible for efforts to develop, articulate and advocate for the best practices for how, at the level of a major operation, the Air Force should conduct air, space and cyber operations across the spectrum of conflict.
Commissioned as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy in 1988, Mike has commanded a squadron, a group, and three different Air Force wings. He directed operations and planning for all US Air Forces operating in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, overseeing a diverse, global portfolio that covered aspects of international security assistance, overseas basing agreements, and the reduction of landmines and other remnants of conflict.
Mike is a highly experienced F-16 fighter pilot and instructor and a graduate of the Air Force’s elite Weapons School. He also flew the C-130 while serving as an Air Advisor and the senior mentor to the commander of the Afghan Air Force.
Mike currently resides in Montgomery, AL with his lovely bride Jennifer and his youngest son Jackson—a high school freshman. Their oldest son Seth is currently going to school and working part-time in Bend, Oregon and their middle son, Burke is a freshman in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech.
usaf leadership
ASSIGNMENTS
Retired as a Major General (2019)
Commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, and Vice Commander, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2017-2019); Deputy Assistant Secretary for Plans, Programs and Operations, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. (2015-2017); Commanding General, Train, Advise Assist Command – Air and Commander, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Kabul, Afghanistan (2014-2015); Commander, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz. (2012-2014); Commander, 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa AB, Japan (2010-2012); Chief, Activities Synchronization, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, Kabul, Afghanistan (2009-2010); Director, Operations and Plans, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central, Shaw AFB, S.C. (2008-2009); Commander, 609th Air Operations Group, and Director of Operations, U.S. Central Command Air Forces, Shaw AFB, S.C. (2007-2008)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Rating: command pilot
Flight hours: more than 2,500
Aircraft flown: F-16C Block 30/40/50, C-130H, T-38 and T-37
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters
Bronze Star Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster