Col. Michelle K. Idle is the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. She is responsible for assisting the Commander in managing an 11 billion dollar budget covering space systems research, development, acquisition, sustainment and the associated launch, command and control infrastructure. Space Systems Command has a workforce of approximately 10,000 military and civilian professionals nationwide with a portfolio that includes military satellite communication, missile warning, navigation and timing, space-based weather, space launch and test ranges, certification for launch, space superiority, responsive space, and other emerging evolutionary space programs.
Col. Idle was commissioned in 1993 from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She served eight years on active duty prior to transferring to the Air Force Reserves. Colonel Idle has held a variety of positions in research and development, program management, technical intelligence, space operations, and academics.
Prior to her current position, Colonel Idle served as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) to the Deputy
Director, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Chantilly, Virginia. As the senior Air Force Reserve Officer, she provided direction for the organizational policy, strategy and governance matters related to Reserve Component support to space surveillance systems. Additionally, she assisted with NRO efforts to develop, acquire, launch, and operate overhead reconnaissance systems.
EDUCATION
1993 Bachelor of Science, Engineering Mechanics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
1994 Master of Science, Engineering Science and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2000 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
2004 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence 2013 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
ASSIGNMENTS
- August 1993 – August 1994, Student, Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
- August 1994 – June 1997, Spacecraft Structures Technology Manager, Phillips Laboratory, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
- July 1997 – June 1999, Instructor & Budget Officer, Department of Engineering Mechanics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- July 1999 – September 2001, Assistant Professor & Executive Officer, Department of Engineering Mechanics, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- October 2001 – October 2002, Space Based Laser Structural Dynamics Engineer, Space and Missile Systems Center, Kirtland AFB, N.M.
- November 2002 – July 2005, Lead Modeling Engineer, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- July 2005 – July 2008, IMA to Chief, Space Division, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- July 2008 – June 2014, IMA to Deputy Commander, Space, Missile and Intelligence Forces Group, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
- July 2014 – July 2016, Deputy Director, U.S. Strategic Command/J2 Joint Reserve Intelligence Support Element, Buckley AFB, Colo.
- July 2016 – April 2018, IMA to Director, Launch Enterprise, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
- April 2018 - May 2020, IMA to the Director, Mission Operations Directorate and Director, MOD Office of Continuity, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va.
- May 2020 - September 2021, IMA to the Deputy Director, National Reconnaissance Office, Chantilly, Va.
- September 2021 - present, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles AFB, Calif.
SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS
July 2014 – July 2016, Deputy Director, U.S. Strategic Command/J2 Joint Reserve Intelligence Support Element, Buckley AFB, Colo., as a lieutenant colonel
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters Air Force Commendation Medal
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
February 1, 2000 - Registered Professional Engineer, State of Colorado
OCCUPATIONAL BADGES
Master Space Badge
Senior Acquisition and Financial Management Badge
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 2, 1993
First Lieutenant June 2, 1995
Captain June 2, 1997
Major June 2, 2004
Lieutenant Colonel June 2, 2011
Colonel Aug. 1, 2016
(Current as of September 2021)