Investigation underway as Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green is removed from post
Leadership Shake-Up at AFSOC
The top enlisted leader of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has been relieved of duty. Command Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green was fired Monday following a “loss of confidence” in his ability to perform his responsibilities. The announcement came through an official statement from AFSOC, confirming that he has been reassigned while an investigation continues.
AFSOC Commander Lt. Gen. Mike Conley made the decision after what he described as “careful consideration of the circumstances.” Green’s removal was not related to a single event, but rather a broader concern about his leadership.
Duties and Role
Green served as the senior enlisted advisor to Lt. Gen. Conley. In this position, he provided guidance on policies affecting more than 20,000 enlisted airmen. His responsibilities also included influencing professional development and morale across the command.
The command chief role is one of the most senior enlisted assignments in the Air Force. Each of the Air Force’s 11 major commands has only one such chief. Green was among the elite few trusted with this level of oversight.
Internal Memo Sets Tone
An internal memo written by Conley and distributed AFSOC-wide underscored the seriousness of the action. It stated, “Upholding these standards is non-negotiable, and maintaining good order and discipline is fundamental to who we are.” The memo was later verified by an AFSOC official and posted to the Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page.
While the exact details of the investigation remain confidential, the tone of the memo suggests a possible breach of core values or conduct standards.
A Long Career in Service
Green entered the Air Force in 1995. Over nearly three decades, he built a reputation as a versatile and experienced leader. He began his career as a maintenance technician on C-130 aircraft and other specialized platforms. His work included time as a flying crew chief — an elite mechanic who flies with aircraft on missions.
Later roles included combat aviation advisor, maintenance superintendent, and senior enlisted advisor. Green’s extensive background made him a natural fit for the top enlisted position in AFSOC. He took on the command chief role in May 2023.
Emphasis on Mission and People
During his induction ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Green spoke passionately about the AFSOC mission. “It’s not the planes, not the cool kits,” … “It’s the mission, the people and the team.” His words highlighted his belief in the unity and purpose of Air Commandos.
Green’s leadership came during a pivotal time for AFSOC, which oversees elite air operations worldwide. The command includes wings and units at Hurlburt Field, Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, and Kadena Air Base in Japan.
AFSOC’s Global Reach
AFSOC is tasked with some of the most complex and sensitive missions in the U.S. military. Its aircraft and personnel operate around the globe, often in high-risk environments. The 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt and the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon are core components of this capability. Their aircraft include the AC-130 gunships, CV-22 Ospreys, and MQ-9 Reapers.
This expansive and demanding operational scope places high expectations on leaders like Green.
What Comes Next?
AFSOC officials have declined to comment on the nature of the investigation. Green has been reassigned outside AFSOC headquarters at Hurlburt Field pending its outcome.
Leadership changes at this level are rare and always draw attention. The Air Force maintains that its enlisted leaders must meet the highest standards, both professionally and ethically. The outcome of the investigation will likely determine Green’s future within the service.
For now, AFSOC continues its mission with interim leadership while navigating the uncertainty left by this sudden change.
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