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 Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He began his service conducting SECDEF-directed Sensitive Reconnaissance Operations as an Electronic Warfare Officer on the RC-135U Combat Sent. Next, he was a Distinguished Graduate from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB. Col Hanson completed two tours in the A-10 at Osan AB, Republic of Korea, and Davis Monthan AFB, AZ, concluding as the Chief of Flight Safety and Acting Chief of Safety for the 355th Fighter Wing.

Col Hanson then began a series of assignments focused on the operational and strategic levels of warfare, first as Chief of the Strategy Guidance Team at the 607th Air Operations Center, Osan AB, Korea. Next, he attended the School of Advanced Military Studies at Ft. Leavenworth, KS with follow-on tour as the Chief of Plans and Policy for US AFCENT/A5. Col Hanson then commanded the 705th Training Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida where he was responsible for advanced training, education and mentorship to enhance operational-level command and control of air, space, and cyberspace. After attending the Air War College’s Grand Strategy Seminar, Col Hanson was the lead contingency planner for USEUCOM J5/Plans where he integrated US and NATO plans for the theater’s top priority problem set.

Col Hanson is a senior pilot with over 800 hours in the A-10 A/C, and an instructor EWO with 750 hours in the RC-135U.