Pentagon Nominates Cropsey for AT&L Deputy Role
The Pentagon has nominated Dr. Luke Cropsey for promotion to the rank of major general and for assignment as military deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L), according to a report by DefenseScoop titled “Air Force nominates Luke Cropsey for promotion, new role as military deputy within AT&L directorate.”
Cropsey, a career Air Force officer and seasoned leader in the defense acquisition community, currently leads as the Air Force’s Integrating Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (C3BM). In this role, he has been instrumental in shaping the service’s approach to joint battle network integration, particularly through his leadership in the development and fielding of the Department of the Air Force’s contribution to the Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative, known as the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS).
The Pentagon’s announcement on Friday marks the latest milestone in Cropsey’s upward trajectory and underscores the Air Force’s continued focus on modernizing and streamlining its acquisition processes amid rapidly evolving technological and strategic imperatives. Cropsey’s prospective new role as military deputy within the AT&L directorate would place him in a critical position to help steer the department’s acquisition strategy at a time when global competition is reshaping military doctrine and industrial investment alike.
The military deputy serves as a senior uniformed advisor responsible for connecting operational needs with emerging technologies, and for ensuring that procurement priorities align with national defense objectives. If confirmed by the Senate, Cropsey will work directly under the Assistant Secretary to help manage the Air Force’s multi-billion-dollar acquisition portfolio, which spans cutting-edge aircraft, cybersecurity measures, space systems, and infrastructure for digital modernization.
Cropsey’s extensive technical background, combined with his operational experience, has made him a key architect in several cross-department modernization efforts. His work with the C3BM office, particularly in bridging technical solutions across the Air Force and Space Force, has drawn praise for fostering interoperability within the broader joint force framework.
The elevation of Cropsey to this high-level position signals that the Department of the Air Force intends to maintain its leadership in integrating new technologies into warfighting concepts. The move also comes during a period in which military leaders are revisiting organizational structures and acquisition timelines to better match the pace of commercial innovation and shifting threat landscapes.
As the nomination proceeds through the confirmation process, Cropsey’s potential confirmation will be closely watched by defense industry stakeholders and military analysts, many of whom view strong leadership in AT&L as vital for ensuring readiness and long-term technological superiority.
