Jacob Middleton Jr.

Jacob Middleton Jr. (born ) is a retired United States Space Force brigadier general who serves as the commander of United States Space Forces – Europe and Africa. He previously served as deputy director for operations of the Joint Staff. He has also commanded the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado from 2018 to 2021.

Education Middleton received a B.A. in psychology degree in 1991 from Augusta State University. In 1997, he received an M.A. degree in public administration from Troy University. He also received an M.A. degree in organizational management in 2007 from the George Washington University. His professional military education included Squadron Officer School where he was the top third graduate, Air Command and Staff College, School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, Air War College, and National War College.

Military career

Middleton enlisted into the United States Air Force in August 1992. He was assigned as a plumber at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where he was awarded as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Mission Support Group. After serving as commander for two years, he was assigned to the Pentagon as a senior congressional advisor at the Office of the Chief of Space Operations.

In April 2022, Middleton started serving as director of national security space policy at the National Space Council. In May 2022, he was nominated and confirmed for promotion to brigadier general. On April 4, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris promoted him to brigadier general. In July 2023, Middleton was reassigned as deputy director of operations of the Joint Staff.

Awards and decorations

Middleton is the recipient of the following awards:

Writings Calling the Cavalry: Disaster Relief and the American Military (2011)

Dates of promotion

+ Rank Branch Date Second Lieutenant Air Force November 13, 1998 First Lieutenant November 13, 2000 Captain November 13, 2002 Major July 1, 2008 Lieutenant Colonel December 1, 2011 Colonel May 1, 2017 Colonel Space Force ~September 30, 2020 Brigadier General December 23, 2022