Three sources familiar with the discussions told Breaking Defense that Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach is a leading candidate to succeed Gen. David Allvin as the next Air Force chief of staff.

UPDATED 8/20/25 at 8:07 pm ET to reflect that though Wilsbach stepped down from Air Combat Command, he has not technically retired, and to note a Washington Post correction.

WASHINGTON — Air Force Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach has emerged as a serious contender to be the next Air Force chief of staff, sources told Breaking Defense.

Following Gen. David Allvin’s surprise announcement on Monday that he plans to retire in November, three people familiar with the discussions pointed to Wilsbach as high on the prospective list to succeed Allvin, with two of those sources indicating the former Air Combat Command (ACC) head should be viewed as the front runner. The people requested anonymity to discuss sensitive details.

Like other positions in the Trump administration, the situation may still be fluid and it’s possible that another candidate is ultimately selected. It is also unknown how quickly Trump will move to make a nomination, which must be confirmed by the Senate.

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