General Steve Nordhaus, USAF
Chief, National Guard Bureau
Steven Scott Nordhaus was born in October 1966 in Putnam County, Ohio. He earned his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned a master’s from Columbia Southern University.
Nordhaus commanded the Air National Guard Readiness Center, then served as director of operations for the National Guard Bureau. He served as commander of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region – First Air Force before being installed as the National Guard Bureau Chief in October 2024.
Nordhaus is a command pilot with over 3,000 flight hours.
In the News…
The National Guard exceeded its recruitment goals before the end of fiscal year 2025.
Air Force General Steven Nordhaus said, “The Guard provides a path to service that offers balance with civilian careers and allows our soldiers and airmen to live locally and serve globally.”
General Nordhaus added, “We’re not just preparing new recruits to serve; we’re preparing them to lead and succeed.”
General Nordhaus noted that the president’s use of the National Guard to support local law enforcement in urban areas, as well as to protect federal facilities from riots and vandalism, has increased the service’s visibility and likely contributed to recruiting.
“The Guard is central to President Trump’s vision of peace through strength and Secretary Hegseth’s focus on restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence,” General Nordhaus said. “Recruits are proving they’re energized to contribute to that.”
