Dennis Barnett

Col (Ret) Dennis L. Barnett completed his thirty years of service as Director of Staff HQ Air Force Special Operations Command. Colonel Barnett was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Wyoming and attained a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. During his career he was Wing Vice-Commander of the 16 Special Operations Wing, Deputy Commander of 352 Special Operations Group, Commander 17th Special Operations Squadron, a command pilot, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot and flying training officer. He was also an exchange pilot with the Royal Air Force in number 47 Squadron, RAF Lyneham, UK. He deployed during Desert Storm and served numerous tours as Joint Special Operations II Commander leading efforts in Bosnia and the Balkans. He served on two major command staffs and was an instructor at the Air Command and Staff College and the School of Information Warfare and Strategy of the National Defense University. He finished his career with over 4800 hours in a variety of aircraft. His decorations include the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service medal, the Meritorious Service medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.