Col. Tellez Succeeds Gen. Marks as Academy Commandant

Proven combat leader to take charge of 4,300-member Cadet Wing

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:54am

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A dimly lit hallway with a lone military officer standing in the center, the scene bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and transition.The incoming Commandant of Cadets will be tasked with continuing the Academy's focus on warfighting readiness and leadership development.Arlington Today

In preparation for a change of command ceremony next month, Col. Brandon J. Tellez, Class of '01, has been assigned as the Academy's 32nd Commandant of Cadets, succeeding Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, who will retire this summer after a distinguished Air Force career.

Why it matters

The Commandant of Cadets plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders, ensuring they are prepared to meet the demands of modern warfare. Tellez's selection brings a combat-tested leader with extensive operational and strategic experience to this important position.

The details

Col. Tellez is currently serving as Senior Executive Officer to the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, where he advises and assists the Vice Chief in the administration of the Air Staff. Brig. Gen. Marks, the outgoing Commandant, has led the Cadet Wing with a sharpened focus on meeting the warfighting demands of an evolving global security environment, emphasizing a culture of discipline, accountability, and adherence to world-class standards.

  • Col. Tellez will assume the role of Commandant of Cadets next month.
  • Brig. Gen. Marks will retire from the Air Force this summer after a successful three-year tour as Commandant.

The players

Col. Brandon J. Tellez

The incoming Commandant of Cadets, a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy with extensive operational and strategic experience, including command of the 1st Fighter Wing.

Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks

The outgoing Commandant of Cadets, who has led the Cadet Wing with a focus on warfighting readiness, elevated standards, and empowering cadets to lead.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind

The U.S. Air Force Academy Superintendent, who praised Brig. Gen. Marks' leadership and expressed confidence in Col. Tellez's ability to continue the Academy's mission.

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What they’re saying

“Brigadier General Marks has been an exceptional Commandant of Cadets. 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 on Day One. I am grateful for his leadership and proud of the transformation he led across the Cadet Wing.”

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

“Serving as Commandant of Cadets has truly been the professional honor of my lifetime. Our cadets have embraced higher standards, harder training, and a clearer understanding of what it means to enter the Profession of Arms. They are more ready, more lethal, and more grounded in our core values, and I am confident they will continue to thrive under Colonel Tellez's leadership.”

— Brig. Gen. Gavin P. Marks, Outgoing Commandant of Cadets

What’s next

Col. Tellez will assume the role of Commandant of Cadets during a change of command ceremony next month.

The takeaway

The selection of Col. Tellez, a combat-tested leader with extensive operational and strategic experience, signals the U.S. Air Force Academy's continued commitment to preparing the next generation of air and space leaders to meet the demands of modern warfare.