John Baum is a Non-Resident Fellow for the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies where he focuses on strategic communication and key aerospace leader engagement by providing research discussions on defense policy and tactical employment of aerospace power.

Background: Prior to joining Mitchell, Mr. Baum worked as a defense contractor providing strategic planning, aircraft acquisitions and air power employment to support the Department of Defense. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF, serving as an F-16 Weapons School Instructor, F-35 Tactics Development Team Lead, USAF Thunderbird Demonstration Pilot, SECAF Strategic Communications Fellow and HAF Air Dominance Requirements Officer. John has over 2,300 hours in the F-16 and served in OPERATION JOINT FORGE, OPERATION JOINT GUARD, OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE.

Areas of focus: He’s a recognized expert of/established voice on tactical and operational employment of air and space power, integration of weapons systems across the USAF and USSF domains and strategic development of future concepts, aerospace vehicles and weapons.

Academic and professional titles: Baum received BS and MS degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, majoring in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Aviation Safety and Accident Investigation; and earned a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from George Mason University. He also chaired the Aerospace Science Department as a full professor at Wilkes University. John maintains his FAA ATP/CFII ratings flying vintage warbirds and aerobatic aircraft.