Yet Another General Officer Fired for Inappropriate Behavior

Our latest star in the spotlight is Air Force Brigadier General Erik Quigley. Quigley has been relieved of his duties following an internal investigation that uncovered inappropriate personal relationships. This development (once again) underscores the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards across all ranks.

The Announcement

As reported in military.com, on January 28, 2025, General Duke Z. Richardson, Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), announced the removal of Brig. Gen. Quigley from his position as Director and Program Executive Officer of the Bombers Directorate at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The decision was made “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead, following an internal investigation which revealed inappropriate personal relationships,” according to an official AFMC statement.

General Richardson emphasized the critical nature of Quigley’s role, stating, “The Director and PEO position leads a team executing the modernization and sustainment of the Air Force’s bomber portfolio and is vitally important to the defense of the nation. Airmen of all ranks must be held accountable for their actions.”

Background on Brig. Gen. Quigley

Brigadier General Erik Quigley is a senior officer in the United States Air Force with over 26 years of service, primarily in acquisition and program management. He was commissioned in 1997 through Utah State University’s Air Force ROTC program and has held several key leadership positions throughout his career.

Quigley earned a Bachelor of Science in Production Operations from Utah State University in 1997, followed by an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 1999. Later, in 2015, he completed a Master of Science in Military National Resource Strategy and Policy from the National Defense University, further strengthening his expertise in defense strategy and resource management.

Over the years, Quigley played a vital role in modernizing and sustaining critical Air Force programs. In April 2024, he became the Director and Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Bombers at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In this role, he oversaw the sustainment and modernization of the B-1, B-2, and B-52 bomber fleets. Before that, he led the Minuteman III Systems Directorate at the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center in Utah from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, he served as the Director of Staff and later the Director of the Digital Acceleration Task Force at Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), where he contributed to advancing digital transformation efforts in military operations.

Quigley also has operational experience, having deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. For his service, he was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. His career is marked by a strong background in program management, and he holds a Level III certification from the Defense Acquisition University. He also has limited working proficiency in Japanese, showcasing his diverse skill set.

However, his career took a downturn on January 28, 2025, when he was relieved of his duties as PEO for Bombers following an internal investigation that uncovered inappropriate personal relationships. While no formal charges have been filed, the situation resulted in a loss of confidence in his leadership. Despite this, Quigley remains assigned to duties within AFMC headquarters.

Though recent events have overshadowed his contributions, Quigley’s career reflects a significant impact on Air Force modernization efforts, particularly in the bomber and missile programs.

Details of the Investigation

While the AFMC has confirmed that Brig. Gen. Quigley’s removal was due to inappropriate personal relationships, specific details regarding the nature of these relationships have not been disclosed. Derek Kaufman, a spokesperson for AFMC, stated that Quigley is still serving in the Air Force and is currently “performing duties, supporting the command as assigned” at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Kaufman declined to comment on potential further actions, citing privacy protections related to administrative or nonjudicial punishment.

If the details of this case come out at a later date, SOFREP will bring them to you.

Interim Leadership and Moving Forward

In the wake of Brig. Gen. Quigley’s removal, Joseph A. Peloquin, who has been serving as the Air Force Deputy Program Executive Officer for Bombers, has been appointed as the interim Director and Program Executive Officer. This swift transition aims to ensure continuity in the critical work of modernizing and sustaining the nation’s bomber fleet.

Broader Implications

Brig. Gen. Quigley’s dismissal marks the second high-profile leadership change within the Air Force in January 2025. Earlier in the month, Colonel Julie Sposito Salceies was relieved of her command of the 613th Air Operations Center in Hawaii due to a “loss of confidence in her ability to command the organization” following a validated Uniform Code of Military Justice violation.

These incidents highlight the Air Force’s unwavering commitment to upholding ethical standards and accountability among its leaders. As General Richardson noted, the integrity of leadership is paramount, especially in roles that are vital to national defense.

Wrapping Up

The removal of Brig. Gen. Erik Quigley reminds us of the high ethical expectations placed upon military leaders. The Air Force’s decisive action in this matter reflects its dedication to maintaining trust and integrity within its ranks, ensuring that all personnel, regardless of rank, are held accountable for their actions.