Expertise
International Engagement, Leadership, Strategic Planning, Requirements Planning
Profile
Major Mike Fantini is an accomplished executive-level leader, strategist, change agent, integrator, and national security expert across the political and military sectors. He has 30+ years of joint, combined, interagency and operational experience with expertise in joint warfighting and Department of Defense (DoD) policy at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. Major Fantini is known as a transparent, inclusive leader with proven ability to deliver DoD/US Air Force (USAF) integration and innovation with specialized expertise in integration and innovation across the USAF and DoD as the Air Force Warfighting Integration Center (AFWIC) director and champion of joint all-domain command and control, Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), digital transformation, autonomy, and artificial intelligence (AI), cyber and information operations, along with detailed air and space weapons systems.
Significant Career Accomplishments
Published updated USAF Arctic Strategy for implementation globally and drove CORONA and Planning Choices briefs highlighted by three- and four-star attendees as best engagement and discussion in years.
Directed the USAF’s “startup” innovation and integration function and developed new warfighting concepts and strategy for HAF and major commands.
Influenced a FY20 prioritization and an FY21 $30B resource swing in support of the Secretary of the Air Force (SECAF) and CSAF new warfighting concept.
Propelled action on over 270+ Secretary of Defense (SECDEF), Combatant Commands (COCOM), National Security Council (NSC) and Congressional issues.
Engaged across Joint Staff, NSC, US State Department and the White House to drive sound defense policy in support of the Middle East in general and the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
As Kandahar Airfield Commander, responsible for 25,000+ persons from 17 troop contributing nations as a dual hatted NATO and USAF commander; responsible for base defense, life support and Senior Airfield Authority for both air and ground combat operations as well as support to other national missions.
Led largest tech training enterprise in the world to include space, nuclear, crew chief, fuels, civil engineering, and maintenance training.
Key Positions
Deputy Chief of Staff Strategy, Requirements and Integration (Acting), HQ USAF
Director, Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability (AFWIC), Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Integration and Requirements (HAF/A5A)
Director, Global Power Programs, SAF/AQP
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Acting)/Principal Deputy, Middle East Policy, OSD/ME
Education
MS, National Security Studies, National War College
MS, Aeronautical Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
BS, Mechanical Engineering, The Catholic University of America
Advanced Senior Leader Development Program
Joint Force Air Component Command Commander Course
Capstone, National Defense University
Combined/Joint Special Operations Component Commanders Course, Joint Special Operations University
Air Force Leadership Enhancement Program, Center for Creative Leadership, UNC
Marine Corps Command and Staff College
Air Command and Staff College
