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Thornhill assumes command of AFIT

  • Published
  • By Kim Curry
  • Air Force Institute of Technology Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AETCNS) --  The Air Force Institute of Technology welcomed its first-ever female commandant as Brig. Gen. Paula G. Thornhill accepted command from Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, Air University commander, during a ceremony July 31.

Brig. Gen. Mark T. Matthews relinquished his nearly 13-month command and is now headed for an assignment as Director, Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Combat Command, Langley AFB, Va.

General Lorenz commented on AFIT's role in the Air Force. "Every year, AFIT produces three things," he said. "The first is students. The second is faculty. The third is ideas -- and those ideas are renowned throughout the Air Force."

Turning to General Matthews, he said AFIT had "never had a stronger or more articulate advocate." General Matthews replied that it had "been an honor to have had the privilege of serving as AFIT's commander."

General Thornhill echoed his feelings, thanking General Lorenz for the "distinct honor of serving as commander of such a phenomenal institution."

The focus of General Thornhill's comments was on what makes the American military education system tick.

"In my mind," she said, "AFIT is the big hand on that clock. This institution is a great, superlative example of American military education. First, there is a clear sense of mission here. That mission is addressing current and future national security issues.

"Second, there is a recognition that it is critical to put together a curriculum that supports that mission -- one that is vibrant, robust and flexible. That curriculum produces students who are ready to face the unknown. And it's just that -- the unknown -- that is always the biggest national security challenge."

General Thornhill went on to say, "What truly separates AFIT from the rest, though, is the people. You all are obviously highly qualified. But more than that, you have a very clear sense of commitment to something higher than yourselves. You have a sense of service. I think that comes from a clear understanding of what I call the Airman-scholar ethos. There's a nexus between being a thinker and being a doer, and the people at AFIT understand that you have to do both."

The general has served in many academic positions during her 26-year career and comes to AFIT following a tour as principal director, Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

The general holds a doctor of philosophy degree in history from Oxford University.