Brian Yoakam
National Security and Space Ops Leader | Expert in Joint and Multinational Ops, Policy Strategy and Strategic Deterrence | U.S. Missile Defender of the Year | Advancing U.S. Defense and Space Power
- Role
- U s Space Force Officer, U s Air Force Academy at United States Space Force
- Location
- Colorado Springs, CO, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Brian Yoakam
Strategic Deterrence | Missile Defense | Space Warfighting & National SecurityProven leader, strategist, and national security expert with 17+ years of experience at the strategic, operational, tactical, and policy levels in space operations, missile defense integration, and executive leadership within the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Expertise in warfighting readiness, space-based missile warning & tracking, and strategic deterrence, shaping policy, force design, and operational strategy to enhance U.S. national security.Core Competencies Strategic Leadership & Readiness – Led globally distributed teams across combatant commands, joint coalitions, and national security agencies, ensuring warfighter readiness and operational success. Missile Defense & Space Operations – Expert in missile warning, tracking, and defense (MWTD), including SBIRS operations and integration into the broader DoD missile defense architecture. Joint & Multinational Operations – Worked with Five Eyes (AUS, CAN, NZ, UK, US) & GCC nations, implementing space effects in CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, and global warfighting operations. Executive & Strategic Planning – Served as Executive Officer & CAG member, supporting 4-star & 2-star leadership at U.S. Space Command and Pacific Air Forces, driving policy, strategy, and interagency coordination. Operational & Tactical Expertise – SBIRS Crew Commander, Missile Defense Integrator, Chief of Weapons & Tactics, and Instructor for Space Operations & National Security Policy at USAFA. Research, Policy & Public Speaking – Skilled in strategic analysis, research, and public speaking, shaping U.S. national security space policy and mentoring future leaders.Notable Roles & Achievements Missile Defense & Space-Based ISR – Led SBIRS operations at Buckley & Vandenberg SFB, overseeing missile early warning, missile defense, and battlespace awareness. 2010 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year. Combat & Coalition Experience – Integrated space operations into combat missions at CAOC (CENTCOM & INDOPACOM), supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM & ENDURING FREEDOM. Senior Strategic Leadership – Served as Branch Chief at U.S. Space Command (J3 & J7), shaping space warfighting response & training for General Officers. National Security & Policy Instruction – Instructor & Course Director at USAFA, teaching Politics, American Government, National Security, and U.S. National Space Policy.Committed to advancing U.S. national security, strengthening warfighting readiness, and shaping the future of space & missile defense strategy.
Experience
U s Space Force Officer, U s Air Force Academy
Jan 2024 — Present · Colorado Springs, CO, US
Instructor, Department of Political Science
Education
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Master of Science - MS
2012 — 2014
USAF Air War College
Senior Developmental Education (SDE)
American University
Master of Arts - MA
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Space Systems Program Management
2009 — 2011
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Arts - BA
2003 — 2007
USAF Air Command and Staff College
Master of Arts - MA
2018 — 2019
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