Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Corcoran

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Charles “Corky” Corcoran is a distinguished leader with more than three decades of expertise in national security, defense operations, and organizational leadership. With more than 31 years of service in the United States Air Force, culminating as assistant deputy chief of staff for operations at USAF Headquarters, he has demonstrated exceptional ability to navigate complex global environments and lead large-scale organizations through strategic transformation. His experience includes board service in the defense sector, where he contributed his deep understanding of national security challenges and operational excellence.

Since retiring from active duty in June 2023, Charles has served as an independent consultant focused on national security, defense, leadership and culture, and innovation. He currently holds board positions with the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance and the Youth Impact Program while also serving as a senior fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Air and Space Studies. In these roles, he leverages his strategic insight and leadership experience to provide guidance on complex defense challenges and organizational development. His recent transition to the private sector builds upon his extensive military leadership experience, where he formulated policy supporting air operations, counterproliferation, homeland security, and cyber operations.

During his military career, Charles commanded the USAF Warfare Center, leading approximately 13,000 personnel across 54 locations in 21 states with responsibility for operational testing of weapons systems, tactical development, and advanced training for U.S. and international forces. He held multiple command positions, including the 525th Fighter Squadron, the 325th Operations Group, 3rd Wing, and the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. In these roles, he determined operational requirements, capabilities, and training necessary to support national security objectives and military strategy. His operational expertise includes direct oversight of strategic planning and fostering collaboration across multinational defense forces.

Charles’ distinguished military career is marked by numerous recognitions, including the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster. His extensive flight experience includes more than 3,200 flying hours with more than 440 combat hours, primarily in the F-22 Raptor and the F-15 Eagle. He brings a global perspective from his service with NATO’s Allied Air Command and the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. Charles holds a Bachelor of Science degree in history from the U.S. Air Force Academy (1992) and a Master of National Security Studies from the National War College (2011).