Institute for Future Conflict Fellow and Fighter Pilot, United States Air Force
Major Joseph “Paveway” Bledsoe III is a U.S. Air Force Intermediate Developmental Education Fellow at the Institute for Future Conflict at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he explores the future of airpower and emerging technologies. A seasoned F-15E evaluator pilot, he has accumulated over 1,500 flight hours, including 344 combat hours in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Previously, he served at the 366th Fighter Wing, leading training initiatives and playing a key role in shaping operational plans for five capstone exercises, culminating in the Wing’s first Indo-Pacific deployment. Major Bledsoe commissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2011 with a B.S. in biology and later earned an M.P.P. from the University of Maryland. He remains deeply connected to USAFA as a board member of the Alumni Association. Joseph is married to his high school sweetheart, Alicia, and together they have three wonderful children.