BRIGADIER GENERAL GENE C. BUCKNER
Brig Gen Gene C. Buckner serves as the Commander of the Utah Air National Guard and as Assistant Adjutant General - Air. He is responsible for the command, control and operations of plans and programs affecting more than 1,400 Utah Air National Guard personnel. His range of responsibilities include ensuring the combat readiness and mission capability of the 151st Wing which is comprised of five groups: the 151st Operations Group (OG), 151st Maintenance Group (MXG), 151st Mission Support Group (MSG), 151st Medical Group (MDG) and the 151st Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG). The 151st Wing flies the KC-135R Stratotanker in support of air refueling operations, aeromedical evacuation and cargo missions.
Brig Gen Buckner began his career with the Utah Air National Guard in 1993. Brig Gen Buckner earned his commission through the Air National Guard’s Academy of Military Science in 1999. Brig Gen Buckner has worked in multiple positions as a Title-32 federal technician at the Utah Air National Guard since being hired in 1996. Brig Gen Buckner has served as the 151st Deputy Wing Commander, 151st Mission Support Group Commander, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron Commander, 151st Inspector General, 151st Civil Engineering Squadron Commander and as the 151st Services Flight Commander. Prior to his current position, he was the 151st Deputy Wing Commander at the Utah Air National Guard Base, Salt Lake City, Utah.
EDUCATION
1996 Associate of Applied Science, Bioenvironmental Engineering Technology, Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB), Ala.
1996 Associate of Science, Environmental Science, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
1997 Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah
2007 Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2009 Air Command and Staff College (ACSC), Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2011 Air National Guard Intermediate Development Course, Joint Base (JB) Andrews, Md.
2013 Master of Science, Organizational Leadership, Argosy University, Salt Lake City, Utah
2016 Air War College (AWC), Maxwell AFB, Ala., by correspondence
2018 Advanced Nuclear Concepts Course (Nuclear 300), Kirtland AFB, N.M.
2018 Air National Guard Commanders Development Course, JB Andrews, Md.
2023 Joint Task Force Commanders Training Course (JCTC), Fort Carson, Colo.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. June 1999 - October 1999, Executive Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, Salt Lake City, Utah
2. October 1999 - July 2000, Personnel Programs Officer, 151st Military Personnel Flight, Salt Lake City, Utah
3. July 2000 - December 2002, Personnel Actions Officer, 151st Military Personnel Flight, Salt Lake City, Utah
4. December 2002 - May 2003, Personnel Programs Officer, 151st Military Personnel Flight, Salt Lake City, Utah
5. May 2003 - July 2008, Commander, 151st Sustainment Flight, Salt Lake City, Utah
6. July 2008 - February 2010, Communications and Information Officer, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, Salt Lake City, Utah
7. February 2010 - August 2012, Detachment Commander, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, Salt Lake City, Utah
8. August 2012 - January 2013, Executive Officer, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, Salt Lake City, Utah
9. January 2013 - October 2013, Executive Officer, 151st Mission Support Group, Salt Lake City, Utah
10. October 2013 - February 2014, Commander, 151st Civil Engineering Squadron, Salt Lake City, Utah
11. February 2014 - October 2016, Inspector General, 151st Air Refueling Wing, Salt Lake City, Utah
12. October 2016 - November 2017, Commander, 130th Engineering Installation Squadron, Salt Lake City, Utah
13. November 2017 - October 2018, Commander, 151st Mission Support Group, Salt Lake City, Utah
14. October 2018 - September 2023, Deputy Commander, 151st Air Refueling Wing Salt Lake City, Utah
15. October 2023 - Present, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Joint Force Headquarters, Salt Lake City, Utah
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 18, 1999
First Lieutenant June 18, 2001
Captain June 18, 2003
Major July 15, 2007
Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 16, 2014
Colonel June 28, 2018
Brigadier General Oct. 1, 2023
(Current as of January 2024)
