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The general was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program in 1969 upon graduation from Texas A&M University. He earned a master's degree from the University of Iowa and completed postgraduate doctoral course work before entering active duty in 1970. A command pilot, he has logged 3,000-plus flying hours in more than 40 aircraft types. He has served as a test pilot and test squadron operations officer conducting developmental flight tests on various weapon systems. He was the Air Staff requirements officer for the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system, and the program element monitor for the F-15E and F-22. He later served as the commandant of the USAF Test Pilot School. A certified acquisition professional, he has served as deputy director of the F-16 Systems Program Office and as program director for the Short-Range Attack Missile II, the Short-Range Attack Missile-Tactical, and the Aircraft Systems Program Office. He also served as vice-commander of the Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, and later, of Air Force Materiel Command.

Major General Mike Kostelnik

Maj. Gen. Michael C. Kostelnik is commander, Air Armament Center, Air Force Materiel Command, with headquarters at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The center is responsible for development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered weapons. Additionally, AAC plans, directs and conducts test and evaluation of U.S. and allied air armament, navigation and guidance systems, and command and control systems. The center operates two Air Force installations, providing host support to both Eglin and Kirtland Air Force bases and supports the largest single base mobility commitment in the Air Force.

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