Calhoun’s approach to leadership accelerates AFTC’s strategic thrust

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Tabatha Arellano
  • Air Force Test Center
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

Col. Paul Calhoun, newly appointed Air Force Test Center, deputy commander, brings proven leadership, combat-tested experience and a focus on partnership that aligns directly with Maj. Gen. Scott Cain, AFTC commander’s 2025 AFTC Strategic Plan.

The plan outlines four strategic areas to accelerate capability development and strengthen the Center’s role as the Department of the Air Force’s integrating hub. Within strategic area Partner: Strategic Thrust 3: Establish Partnership and Process with the Integrated Capabilities Command and the Integrated Development Office, highlights the importance of synchronizing early and building collaboration across the enterprise.

Cain said Calhoun’s arrival comes at the right time.

“Col. Calhoun brings the operational insight and leadership needed to help transform AFTC into a true integrating Center,” Cain said. “His approach to partnership-building and early synchronization reflects exactly the kind of enterprise mindset we need, one that reduces timelines, elevates collaboration and keeps our focus on delivering trusted, proven capabilities to the warfighter. By leading this strategic thrust, he’s helping shape the Center’s future.”

Calhoun said his leadership philosophy is shaped by connection, investing in people, and supporting a fertile environment for problem-solving.

“For me, the connection to the warfighter is deeply personal,” he said. “They deserve our best as we develop technology that they can trust in the crucible of combat.”

He emphasizes building a cadre of agile problem-solvers by encouraging self-improvement, leaving margin for science and technology development and setting up an environment where innovation thrives. According to him, success comes when Airmen enjoy the process, approach challenges with creativity and share ownership of outcomes. Technology is important for developing war-winning capabilities, but ultimately, he believes our people will provide the decisive advantage.

“Partnership is more than just coordination,” Calhoun said. “It’s built from trust and shared purpose. This enables rapid problem solving under pressure which is our charge as combat ready testers.”

He also places a premium on open communication, making sure priorities are clear, surprises are minimized and messages to commanders remain unified. These principles, he said, ensure the Center can operate effectively while maintaining integrity with leadership and the joint force.

Calhoun’s perspective is informed by more than two decades of operational and developmental test experience. A Columbus, Ohio, native, he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2002 before earning a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He began his operational career as a C-17 pilot at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, where he deployed multiple times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. With more than 1,100 combat hours and 48 combat airdrops, he later served as a lead special operations evaluator pilot, flying worldwide missions in direct support of unconventional tactics.

After attending the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB in 2012, Calhoun became the lead test pilot for the first air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile, supporting the Missile Defense Agency and NASA’s manned space capsule program. He then attended the Eisenhower School for National Resource Strategy, where he developed the “Energy Web Dominance” framework to improve dynamic and resilient energy transport for military forces. As a DARPA program manager, he directed more than 20 research efforts tied to that framework and led the test of Gremlins, the first unmanned aircraft launched and recovered in flight. He also developed LongShot a first-generation Collaborative UAV that dramatically increases the lethal range for existing combat platforms. His work has spanned more than 30 aircraft, including the C-17, KC-46, T-38, and F-16.

Now, as deputy commander, Calhoun draws on that experience to support Cain’s vision of AFTC as an integrating Center. His blend of combat-tested operational insight, developmental test expertise, close ties to the research and development community, and partnership philosophy allow him to bridge leadership intent with enterprise execution.

“Transforming vision into decisive action is where our leadership matters most,” he said. “By remembering who we serve, communicating clearly, and building partnerships with mutual trust we set the conditions for success.”

With Cain’s strategic vision guiding the Center and Calhoun shaping execution, AFTC is positioning itself to accelerate capability development, strengthen partnerships and deliver trusted results for the warfighter.