As a direct report to the deputy secretary of defense, Guetlein has authority to bypass competitive hiring procedures as he builds his Golden Dome team.
The last Air Force vice chief, Gen. Jim Slife, was fired by President Trump in February without explanation as part of a broader purge of military leaders.
Nearly 20 retired Air Force general officers, including six former chiefs of staff, urged lawmakers to reverse Pentagon plans to cut the E-7 and F-35s.
