List of United States Air Force lieutenant generals from 2000 to 2009
From 2000 to 2009, the United States Air Force had 117 officers reach the rank of lieutenant general (three stars). Of these, 31 were later promoted to four-star general. All 117 achieved the four-star rank while on active duty.
How officers reached lieutenant general
- 55 were commissioned through the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA)
- 36 through AFROTC at civilian colleges
- 16 through Air Force Officer Training School (OTS)
- 7 through AFROTC at senior military colleges
- 3 through direct commission
How the list is organized and what it shows
- The entries are ordered by when each officer was promoted to lieutenant general on active duty. An asterisk (*) marks officers who did not serve as a lieutenant general on active duty or who were promoted to four-star rank while on active duty.
- Each entry includes: name, date of rank, active-duty three-star positions held, years of active-duty service as a three-star, year commissioned and source of commission, years in commission when promoted to three-star, and notes (birth/death years shown in parentheses).
- For officers who held dual roles (such as commander of a numbered air force and deputy commander of a joint force), the Air Force command is prioritized.
Notes on three-star positions and Senate process
- Some three-star positions were dual-hatted or involved joint commands; the Air Force-specific role is highlighted.
- Nominations for three-star (and four-star) ranks are reviewed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. Most nominations pass with little opposition; occasionally a nomination is withdrawn or expires at the end of a legislative session. Even after confirmation, delays can occur before the officer assumes the post.
Congressional legislation affecting lieutenant general appointments (2000–2009)
- Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001
- Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
- Duncan (Duncan) Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009
- National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010
These acts cover rules and authorizations related to appointments to the lieutenant general rank and related officers.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 01:00 (CET).