Air Force Academy Appoints New Commandant

Col. Brandon Tellez to lead military training of aspiring officers

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary fighter jet silhouetted against a warm, golden sunset sky, its form bathed in deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the gravity of the commandant's role in shaping the future of the Air Force.The Air Force Academy's new commandant will be tasked with elevating warfighting skills and leadership development among the next generation of aspiring officers.Air Force Academy Today

The U.S. Air Force Academy has announced that Col. Brandon Tellez will be the next commandant of cadets, responsible for overseeing the military training and development of the academy's aspiring officer candidates. Tellez is a former fighter pilot with 300 combat hours who currently serves as a senior executive officer to the Air Force vice chief of staff.

Why it matters

The commandant of cadets is a critical leadership role at the Air Force Academy, responsible for shaping the culture, training, and readiness of future Air Force officers. Tellez's appointment comes as the academy transitions away from its previous 'fourth-class system' that was found to create unhealthy power dynamics among cadets.

The details

Col. Brandon Tellez will take over the commandant role from Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks, who is retiring after two years in the position. Tellez has a bachelor's degree from the Air Force Academy, as well as two master's degrees in business administration and national security strategy. In his current role, Tellez helps organize, train and equip the Air Force's 689,000 airmen and civilians. Under Marks' leadership, the academy shifted to a new four-tiered cadet system focused on developing front-line supervisory, team leadership, and unit leadership skills, as well as a greater emphasis on warfighting proficiency.

  • Col. Brandon Tellez will assume the commandant role on May 1, 2026.
  • Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks is retiring after serving as commandant for the past two years.

The players

Col. Brandon Tellez

The incoming commandant of cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, a former fighter pilot with 300 combat hours who currently serves as a senior executive officer to the Air Force vice chief of staff.

Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks

The outgoing commandant of cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, who is retiring after leading a transition in the academy's cadet training and culture over the past two years.

Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfiend

The superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, who is also departing the academy this year after requesting early retirement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'He kept the academy on a clear course as we reoriented deliberately toward warfighting, elevating standards, expanding training and ensuring our graduates are ready to lead.'”

— Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfiend, Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy

What’s next

Tellez will officially assume the commandant role on May 1, 2026, as Brig. Gen. Marks departs the academy.

The takeaway

Tellez's appointment comes at a critical time for the Air Force Academy as it continues to evolve its cadet training and culture, with a focus on developing the next generation of warfighting-ready officers. His experience as a combat-tested pilot and senior executive will be valuable in leading this transition.