Our Staff

Based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the JAPCC is sponsored by 14 NATO nations who provide a variety of experienced Subject Matter Experts (SME) that come from all three services. Through its multi-discipline organization, the JAPCC chooses the most suitable SMEs for the task and combines their knowledge and experience to fully contribute to transforming NATO’s A&S Power. More importantly, the JAPCC is not constrained by the need for consensus or by political expediency in developing ideas. It can offer independent military advice across the spectrum of A&S Power to NATO HQs and national policy-making bodies.

Directorate

General

James B. Hecker

Director 

Gen. James B. Hecker is the Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; Commander, Allied Air Command, headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; and Director, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, Kalkar, Germany. He is responsible for the air and missile defense of 32 NATO alliance member...

Lieutenant General

Thorsten Poschwatta

Executive Director 

Since December 2021, Lieutenant General Poschwatta is the Commander of the German Air Operations Command and the Executive Director of the Joint Air Power Competence Centre in Kalkar, Germany.

Colonel

Vito Cracas

Assistant Director 

Colonel Vito Cracas joined the Italian Air Force Academy in 1988. He earned his wings in 1993 at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training school in Texas. Colonel Cracas flew F104G and F104S / ASA aircraft with the XII (F) Sqn of the 36th Fighter Wing in Gioia del Colle,...

Colonel

Matthew Hanson

Chief of Staff 

As Chief of Staff, Colonel Matthew E. Hanson is responsible for synchronizing JAPCC’s five branches in support of its mission to transform air and space power for NATO, and leads the editorial team for JAPCC’s journal and white papers. Col Hanson commissioned through ROTC in 2001 upon graduating from the...

Branch Heads

Colonel

Kevin Anderson

Branch Head 
Combat Air

Colonel Kevin “Tread” Anderson entered the United States Air Force in June 2005 when he graduated from the US Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After his commission, he attended Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and completed the...

Colonel

Gianluca Chiriatti

Branch Head 
C5 ISR & Space

Colonel Gianluca Chiriatti joined the Italian Air Force in 1990 as cadet of the Air Force Academy, where he graduated in 1994 obtaining a degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Federico II University, Naples. He served as operational pilot on AM-X fighter-bomber, to include combat operations on Former-Yugoslavia and Kosovo, and...

Colonel

Marco Kathmann

Branch Head 
Air Operations Support

Colonel Marco Kathmann has been assigned to the JAPCC as the Branch Head Air Operations Support since September 2023. During his previous assignment he was Staff Officer Operations at the Permanent Joint Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to NATO in Brussels. After graduating as an officer in 1986,...

Subject Matter Experts

Lieutenant Colonel

William Barksdale

Subject Matter Expert 
Manned Air (Fixed Wing)

Lieutenant Colonel Will Barksdale commissioned into the US Air Force in 2006 from Mississippi State University, graduated ENJJPT in 2007, held instructor pilot qualifications in both the T-38 and F-22, and been involved in the production of 350 F-22 pilots. He has deployed to the Indo-Pacific region as part of...

Colonel

Antonios Chochtoulas

Subject Matter Expert 
Cyberspace Operations

Colonel Chochtoulas graduated from the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Academy in 1999, with a degree in Logistics. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Hellenic Open University and his subject matter expertise is in the Areas of Information Systems Security and Database Design and Administration. He...

Lieutenant Colonel

Francesco Facchi

Subject Matter Expert 
Logistics

Lieutenant Colonel Facchi joined the Italian Air Force in 1995 and completed Basic Training qualifying in air logistics. He was initially assigned to 6th Wing at Ghedi Air Force Base, as Chief of Logistic and Supply Service, and Director of Wing Warehouse until 1999. He was then posted to the...

Major

Patrick Giesenfeld

Subject Matter Expert 
Command & Control and Air Battle Management

Major Giesenfeld joined the German Armed Forces in October 2007, serving first in the army and since 2009 in the air force. He completed his officers training course in 2011. Following this he was transferred to the Tactical Air Command and Control Squadron (TACCS) 21 in Erndtebrück, where he acquired...

Lieutenant Colonel

Erhan Güleç

Subject Matter Expert 
Close Air Support

Lieutenant Colonel Erhan Güleç graduated from the Turkish Air Force Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and was stationed as an Intercept Controller (IC) at the Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) of Diyarbakir, Türkiye. Following his Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, in 2013, he joined the...

Lieutenant Colonel

Antonio Gutierrez

Subject Matter Expert 
Manned Air (Fixed Wing)

Lieutenant Colonel Gutierrez joined the Spanish Air Force in 1996. He completed the basic flight course as a Distinguished Graduate in 2000. After 5-year academy, he was promoted to Lieutenant, being posted to the 14th Fighting Wing (Albacete AF Base) as a fighter pilot. He was flying Mirage F1 from...

Lieutenant Colonel

Andre Haider

Subject Matter Expert 
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Lieutenant Colonel Haider began his military career with the German Armed Forces in April 1992. He initially served as a Personnel NCO in the 150th Rocket Artillery Battalion HQ. Following his promotion to Lieutenant in 1998, he took on the role of an MLRS platoon leader within the same battalion....

Commander

Marco Joudioux

Subject Matter Expert 
Joint Personnel Recovery, Joint Rotary Wing

Commander Joudioux embarked on his career with the Italian Navy in 1989. He completed the rigorous US Navy flight school, earning the prestigious “Wings of Gold” in 1992 as a fixed-wing multi-engine pilot. He served as an Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter pilot aboard various Italian ships, operating UH1 helicopters. In 1999,...

Lieutenant Colonel

Karel Kolisek

Subject Matter Expert 
Plans, Concepts, Development and Vision

Lieutenant Colonel Karel Kolisek enlisted in the Czech Air Force in 1995. He graduated from the Brno Military Academy with an MSc in Mechanical Engineering. Among other functions, he served as an air traffic control instructor of the 234th Prerov command support battalion. He was deployed with task force Hippo...

Major

Brian Ladd

Subject Matter Expert 
Space

Major Brian Ladd graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in History and received his commission by AFROTC. His first tour was at the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, CO, where he was a Satellite Operator of the MILSTAR communications...

Major

Mark Meeuwissen

Subject Matter Expert 
Air Operations Planning

Major Mark Meeuwissen graduated from the Royal Military Academy Brussels in 1988 with a Master in Military and Aeronautical Science. His carrier as pilot was performed on F-16 in the Fighter-Bomber role and on NATO AWACS up to pilot-evaluator. On both platforms, he participated multiple times in several operations: Operation...

Lieutenant Colonel

Nakul Nayyar

Subject Matter Expert 
Cyberspace Operations

Lieutenant Colonel Nakul Nayyar joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2004 as a Communications and Electronics Engineer. He most recently served as the Canadian Communications & Electronics Defense Attaché in Washington, D.C. (2020–2024). In this role, he was responsible to provide expertise, assistance and advice in the information and...

Lieutenant Colonel

Adam Olko

Subject Matter Expert 
Plans, Concepts, Development and Vision

Lieutenant Colonel Olko joined the Polish Armed Forces in 1988 and after four years of study he graduated from Military Academy as a radar engineer. He served, among other functions, on various national positions as a radar engineer, Commander of Radar Company, Track Production Officer and Master Controller. Starting August...

Major

Tamás Oszlár

Subject Matter Expert 
Attack Helicopters

Major Oszlar joined the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) in 1987 and started his military education at “Szolnok” Military Aviation College in Hungary. He was assigned to the 31. “Kapos” Tactical Fighter Wing 1990 as air traffic controller. He graduated on NATO Staff College Joint Command and General Staff Course at...

Lieutenant Colonel

Emiliano Pellegrini

Subject Matter Expert 
Attack Helicopters

Lieutenant Colonel Emiliano PELLEGRINI was commissioned in the Italian Army in 1990, when he was admitted to the Italian Army Military Academy. After five years of studies in the Academy was appointed as Mountain Artillery Officer where served for four years before to transit to the Italian Air Force schools...

Lieutenant Colonel

Florin Sandu

Subject Matter Expert 
Plans, Concepts, Development and Vision

Lieutenant Colonel Florin Sandu graduated from the Romanian Air Force Academy in 2001, earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational management. He has held various positions throughout his career, including being a Tactical and Air Traffic Controller at the 71st Air Base Operation Centre in Câmpia Turzii, an Intercept Controller, and...

Lieutenant Colonel

Athanasios Sdrakas

Subject Matter Expert 
Electronic Warfare and SEAD

Lieutenant Colonel Athanasios Sdrakas graduated from the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Academy in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. He further advanced his academic qualifications by obtaining two Master of Science degrees: one in International Affairs from the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, and another in Environmental, Disaster, and...

Commander

Aaron Shiffer

Subject Matter Expert 
Maritime Air and Carrier Operations

Commander Aaron Shiffer commissioned into the United States Navy in 2000. Initial training pilot training was in the P-3C Orion serving two US operational tours and a 3rd with the Royal Australian Air Force. After completing a tour on board the USS GEORGE HW BUSH, he transitioned to the P-8A...

Captain

Lucas Stensberg

Subject Matter Expert 
Cyberspace Operations, Space

Capt. Stensberg leads space/cyber integrations as a cyber and space SME in the JAPCC’s C4ISR+Space branch, furthering the Alliance’s understanding of the two domains via publishing, exercises, wargaming, conferences, and working groups. Before this role, he served in a talent management role overseeing Space Force assignments, and prior to that...

Lieutenant Colonel

Jhon van den Hudding

Subject Matter Expert 
Analysis and Lessons Learned, Exercise Support

Lt Col van den Hudding joined the Royal Netherlands Armed Force in Nov 1998. After graduation he was stationed at the Dutch CRC, callsign “Bandbox” where he served in different positions. In 2010 he was posted at the NAEW&C Component in Geilenkirchen Germany, where he became instructor and evaluator. In...

Major

Bjorn van der Linden

Subject Matter Expert 
Force Protection

Major Bjorn van der Linden is a Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Force Protection practitioner with over 20 years of experience. After graduating as an officer in 2003, Maj van der Linden served, amongst others, as Deputy Head of Force Protection of the Dutch Defence Helicopter Command at Gilze-Rijen Airbase,...

Commandant

Peter Vanderostyne

Subject Matter Expert 
Air Operations Planning

Commandant Peter Vanderostyne graduated from the Royal Military Academy Brussels in 1992 with a Master in Military and Aeronautical Science. In the same year, he joined the Control & Reporting Centre (CRC) in Glons where he became Fighter Controller, Electronic Warfare specialist, Identification Officer and Track Production Officer. After he...

Lieutenant Colonel

Kim Vogt

Subject Matter Expert 
Air & Missile Defence

Lieutenant Colonel Kim Vogt currently serves as a subject matter expert for integrated air and missile defence at the Joint Air Power Competence Centre. He joined the German Armed Forces in September 2001. Following the completion of his Officer Training, he studied Economic Studies at the University of the German...

Lieutenant Colonel

Jürgen Welsch

Subject Matter Expert 
Command & Control and Air Battle Management

Lieutenant Colonel Juergen Welsch joined the German Air Force in 1984. In 1990 he gained a Bachelor Degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the Hochschule der Bundeswehr Muenchen. From 1990 on, Lieutenant Colonel Welsch worked in multiple operational- and staff positions within the field of AIRC2. In 2003, he switched to...

Major

Eric Yuan

Subject Matter Expert 
Air-to-Air Refueling

Major Eric Yuan is the Air Mobility Strategist, Joint Air Power Competence Centre (NATO), in Kalkar, Germany. In this role, he executes the JAPCC Program of Work for air mobility including leading the Global Air to Air Refuelling interoperability and compatibility efforts, supporting AIRCOM’s Specialized Heavy Air Refuelling Course (SHARC),...

Lieutenant Colonel

Giovanni Zanier

Subject Matter Expert 
Precision Guided Munitions

Lieutenant Colonel Giovanni Zanier joined the Italian Air Force in 1994, attending the Italian Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli (Italy) as ROTC pilot. He completed the Basic and Advance Pilot Training course at the 61st Air Brigade – Galatina AFB – in 1996, before attending the AM-X OCU in Amendola...

Support Staff

Sergeant Major

Aarts

Support Staff, 
Publications, Promotions & Communications

Sergeant Major Aarts joined the forces in 2000 and, in July 2002, completed the Specialist Ground Defence Training and was assigned to Volkel Air Base as Group Commander within a Security Wing. In 2005, he became Training Sergeant of a Security Wing. In 2008, he was appointed as a Junior...

Mr

Simon Ingram

Support Staff, 
Publications, Promotions & Communications

For over 15 years, Mr Ingram has carried out the function as Chief Publications, Promotions and Communications and Section Head, informing and advising JAPCC staff and external authors on all aspects of publishing. Mr Ingram is principally responsible for developing and creating the organization’s Publications (covering promotion communications and engagement...

Lieutenant Colonel

Dennis Wartenberg

Support Staff, 
Research, Analysis & Intelligence Support

Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Wartenberg has been appointed as a subject matter expert for Research, Analysis, and Intelligence Support in the Assessment, Coordination, and Engagement Branch of the JAPCC in October 2022. His primary responsibility is to provide intelligence to the expert team and contribute to the JAPCC’s products regarding intelligence...

Contact Us

Contact Information

Joint Air Power Competence Centre
Römerstrasse 140
47546 Kalkar
Germany

+49 (0) 2824 90 2201

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