VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. –
U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, U.S. Space Forces—Space commander and Combined Joint Force Space Component commander, headlined a senior leader panel discussion on character at the inaugural Guardian Path quarterly speaker series, held May 30, 2025, as part of the Vandenberg SFB Guardian Nexus program.
The event underscored the critical role of character in achieving mission success within an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape. It provided Guardians, Airmen, and civilians with a unique opportunity to engage with senior leaders on ethical leadership and operational decision-making across all levels of the Space Force.
Schiess was joined by USSF Col. Justin Sorice, Space Delta 5 commander; Darren Buck, Space Delta 1 deputy commander and executive director; and James McKinley, inspector general for Space Launch Delta 30. The panel discussion emphasized the importance of embodying strong character as a foundation for professional and personal growth within the Space Force.
Schiess identified integrity as his guiding principle, using a humorous yet impactful anecdote from his childhood to illustrate the lasting consequences of dishonesty and the importance of maintaining ethical standards—even under pressure. Through his story he emphasized that a loss of integrity can erode trust, a vital component of effective leadership.
“Once you lose it, it's a lot easier to lose it more often, and it also puts you into a position where then there's a trust factor for those that work below you and above you,” he said.
He further emphasized the direct correlation between character and integrity, noting the heightened importance of demonstrating character as one ascends in rank.
“When we're making decisions that can go all the way to the President of United States, we know that we are speaking from integrity. That is something that really helps with your character. Because if you don't have that, people start to think, ‘well, what kind of character do we really have?’”
Sorice emphasized humility as his guiding principle, sharing the story of 1958 pilot Capt. John Ferrier, who sacrificed his life to prevent his jet from crashing into a residential area. Following his death, his wife found a note among his personal belongings that read, “I’m third.” Sorice said this story shaped his life and career.
“For Johnny and for me, it’s God, everyone else and myself.”
"I would love to tell you that I always live up to that pecking order. I’m human—I don’t,” Sorice admitted. “But, in my wallet and when I walk out of my office it says, ‘I’m third’ to remind me that my job is to take care of other people first.”
The discussion then turned to the practical application of character within the Space Force. Schiess highlighted how ethical leadership influences high-level decision-making, particularly when coordinating with other military branches and allies. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, cultural awareness, and humility within the joint force environment.
“We do not fight as an Air Force or a Space Force. We fight as a joint force,” Schiess asserted.
Sorice reinforced the importance of honesty and transparency, even when facing potential challenges.
“Some people don’t want to ruffle the feathers,” he said. “They just want to report out sunshine and rainbows. But, oftentimes, everything is not fine, and there are some problems, and we have to be honest with that.”
Sorice cautioned against minimizing issues, noting that dishonesty can ultimately cause greater harm.
“I have to be honest because if [I’m not]—and I just pass the buck—the I pass the buck to that next generation, the next commander, those next folks that are coming into the unit. And if you keep doing that enough, eventually you get to the point where you have mission failure, and something really critical breaks along the line.”
“And if there’s not trust there—if there’s a lack because of a lack of character—then all of this doesn’t work,” he concluded, reinforcing that trust is essential to leadership.
The Guardian Path event served as a call to action for all Guardians, reinforcing that character is not merely an ideal—it is the foundation for effective leadership, operational excellence, and mission success in space warfighting.