Major General Trey Rawls is culminating a distinguished 32-year career with the United States Air Force as one of the preeminent strategic experts in operational capabilities for 5th generation warfare. As the Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Maj. Gen. Rawls is responsible for the operational test and evaluation of more than 98 major acquisition programs valued at more than $1 trillion. As a key leader of the test and evaluation community, he coordinates directly with the offices of the Secretary of Defense and Department of the Air Force while executing realistic, objective, and impartial operational testing and evaluation of Air Force, Space Force, coalition, and joint warfighting capabilities.
A native of Lexington, Maj. Gen. Rawls entered the Air Force in 1992 as a distinguished graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He holds master’s degrees from The George Washington University, Air University, U.S. Army War College, and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.
Throughout his distinguished military career, Maj. Gen. Rawls has been instrumental in shaping the functionality of some of the most advanced aircraft and associated weaponry ever developed. As a Test Pilot, he had assignments in the A-10C, F-15C, F-16, and numerous classified platforms conducting advanced weapons development. As an operational fighter pilot, he flew the A-10A/C and F-15C with combat missions in Iraq and is currently flying F-35A as a 5th generation aggressor pilot. Prior to his current assignment, Maj. Gen. Rawls served as the Commandant for the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He has commanded at the Squadron, Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Ground Operations Wing levels, and is a four-time member of the U.S. Military Pentathlon Team.
Maj. Gen Rawls has been recognized for excellence and heroism numerous times throughout his military career, including being the recipient of the prestigious Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal. He has earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, NATO Non-Article 5 Iraq Medal, and various service and achievement medals, along with meritorious and outstanding unit awards.
Maj. Gen. Rawls has been married to his wife, Scotta Rawls, for 30 years. They are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Keegan Rawls and Karson Holly.