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description: Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
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date published: 2026-07-16
date modified: 2026-07-16
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Scott L. Pleus
type: Person
given name: Scott
additional name: L.
family name: Pleus
honorific prefix: Lt. Gen. (Ret.)
honorific suffix: USAF
alternate name: Scott L. Pleus
alternate name: Rolls
alternate name: Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus
alternate name: Brig. Gen. Scott L. Pleus
alternate name: Maj. Gen. Scott L. Pleus
description: Scott Pleus is an operating executive who has built his career on a single conviction: an organization's confidence in its own readiness is only as good as the last time someone actually tested it.
job title: Student
works for: Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
gender: male
knows language: English
disambiguating description: Operating Executive · Readiness Architecture · What You Tolerate, You Teach.
has occupation: occupation-undergraduate-pilot-training-columbus-air-force-base-e9bc8e-role
has occupation: occupation-f-16-replacement-training-unit-macdill-afb-fla-student-role
has occupation: occupation-18th-fighter-squadron-eielson-afb-alaska-f-16-pilot-role
has occupation: occupation-35th-fighter-squadron-kunsan-air-base-south-korea-f-1-60bf35-role
has occupation: occupation-34th-fighter-squadron-hill-afb-utah-flight-commander-60361f-role
has occupation: occupation-air-command-and-staff-college-maxwell-afb-ala-student-role
has occupation: occupation-joint-forces-staff-college-norfolk-naval-air-station-d5660b-role
has occupation: occupation-alaskan-command-plans-and-programs-joint-base-elmendo-fcac3d-role
has occupation: occupation-61st-fighter-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-student-role
has occupation: occupation-56th-training-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-operations-officer-role
has occupation: occupation-63rd-fighter-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-commander-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-air-education-and-training-command-actio-8e41c4-role
has occupation: occupation-sun-microsystems-menlo-park-calif-secretary-of-defens-519282-role
has occupation: occupation-611th-air-and-space-operations-center-joint-base-elme-caf8d5-role
has occupation: occupation-8th-fighter-wing-kunsan-air-base-south-korea-commander-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-us-air-force-the-pentagon-arlington-va-e-9c1acc-role
has occupation: occupation-56th-fighter-wing-luke-afb-ariz-commander-role
has occupation: occupation-f-35-integration-office-headquarters-us-air-force-the-ad29a9-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-air-combat-command-joint-base-langley-eu-27cea2-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-pacific-air-forces-joint-base-pearl-harb-1dd341-role
has occupation: occupation-seventh-air-force-pacific-air-forces-osan-air-base-so-92d079-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-us-air-force-the-pentagon-arlington-va-d-c14597-role
has occupation: occupation-headquarters-us-air-force-the-pentagon-arlington-va-a-351d03-role
alumni of: eduorg-university-of-minnesota-duluth-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-squadron-officer-school-maxwell-air-force-base-ala-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-air-command-and-staff-college-maxwell-afb-ala-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-auburn-university-montgomery-ala-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-air-war-college-maxwell-air-force-base-ala-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-sun-microsystems-menlo-park-calif-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-darden-school-of-business-university-of-virginia-char-a8711f-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-national-defense-university-washington-dc-alumniof
alumni of: eduorg-maxwell-afb-ala-alumniof
has credential: Bachelor of Arts in Communications
has credential: Professional Military Education in Squadron Officer School
has credential: Master of Military Operational Arts and Science in Military Operational Arts and Science
has credential: Master of Arts in International Relations
has credential: Professional Military Education in Air War College
has credential: Fellowship in Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow
has credential: Professional Development Program in U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar
has credential: Professional Military Education in Capstone General and Flag Officer Course
has credential: Professional Military Education in Joint Force Air Component Commander Course
has credential: Professional Military Education in Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course
has credential: Professional Military Education in Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course
award: Defense Distinguished Service Medal (United States Air Force)
award: Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster (United States Air Force)
award: Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters (United States Air Force)
award: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (United States Air Force)
award: Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters (United States Air Force)
award: Air Medal with oak leaf cluster (United States Air Force)
award: Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters (United States Air Force)
award: Air and Space Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster (United States Air Force)
knows about: Readiness Architecture (organizational readiness under pressure)
knows about: Large-scale operations command
knows about: Fighter aviation / F-16 operations
knows about: Joint and coalition operations (Korean Peninsula)
knows about: Force readiness policy and inspection design
knows about: Enterprise budget and resource stewardship
knows about: Glossary
knows: United States Air Force
knows: Seventh Air Force
knows: Gen. Lamontagne
knows: Big House Enterprise

Scott Pleus is a world-class operating executive who architects readiness by running the daily standard that decides whether an organization performs under pressure.
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about: Scott L. Pleus

Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.
type: Organization

occupation-undergraduate-pilot-training-columbus-air-force-base-e9bc8e-role
type: Role
has occupation: Student
start date: 1990-03
end date: 1991-03
role name: Student at Undergraduate Pilot Training, Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

Student
type: Occupation

occupation-f-16-replacement-training-unit-macdill-afb-fla-student-role
type: Role
has occupation: Student
start date: 1991-04
end date: 1992-12
role name: Student at F-16 Replacement Training Unit, MacDill AFB, Fla.

Student
type: Occupation

occupation-18th-fighter-squadron-eielson-afb-alaska-f-16-pilot-role
type: Role
has occupation: F-16 Pilot
start date: 1993-01
end date: 1996-01
role name: F-16 Pilot at 18th Fighter Squadron, Eielson AFB, Alaska

F-16 Pilot
type: Occupation

occupation-35th-fighter-squadron-kunsan-air-base-south-korea-f-1-60bf35-role
type: Role
has occupation: F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor
start date: 1996-01
end date: 1996-12
role name: F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor at 35th Fighter Squadron, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea

F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor
type: Occupation

occupation-34th-fighter-squadron-hill-afb-utah-flight-commander-60361f-role
type: Role
has occupation: Flight Commander, F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor
start date: 1997-01
end date: 1999-06
role name: Flight Commander, F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor at 34th Fighter Squadron, Hill AFB, Utah

Flight Commander, F-16 Flight Examiner and Instructor
type: Occupation

occupation-air-command-and-staff-college-maxwell-afb-ala-student-role
type: Role
has occupation: Student
start date: 1999-06
end date: 2000-06
role name: Student at Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Student
type: Occupation

occupation-joint-forces-staff-college-norfolk-naval-air-station-d5660b-role
type: Role
has occupation: Student
start date: 2000-07
end date: 2000-09
role name: Student at Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk Naval Air Station, Va.

Student
type: Occupation

occupation-alaskan-command-plans-and-programs-joint-base-elmendo-fcac3d-role
type: Role
has occupation: Joint and Combined Contingency Plans Officer
start date: 2000-09
end date: 2002-11
role name: Joint and Combined Contingency Plans Officer at Alaskan Command, Plans and Programs, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

Joint and Combined Contingency Plans Officer
type: Occupation

occupation-61st-fighter-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-student-role
type: Role
has occupation: Student
start date: 2002-11
end date: 2003-04
role name: Student at 61st Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.

Student
type: Occupation
description: F-16 requalification training.

occupation-56th-training-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-operations-officer-role
type: Role
has occupation: Operations Officer
start date: 2003-05
end date: 2004-06
role name: Operations Officer at 56th Training Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.

Operations Officer
type: Occupation

occupation-63rd-fighter-squadron-luke-afb-ariz-commander-role
type: Role
has occupation: Commander
start date: 2004-06
end date: 2006-06
role name: Commander at 63rd Fighter Squadron, Luke AFB, Ariz.

Commander
type: Occupation

occupation-headquarters-air-education-and-training-command-actio-8e41c4-role
type: Role
has occupation: Director
start date: 2006-06
end date: 2008-06
role name: Director at Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Action Group, Randolph AFB, Texas

Director
type: Occupation

occupation-sun-microsystems-menlo-park-calif-secretary-of-defens-519282-role
type: Role
has occupation: Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow
start date: 2008-06
end date: 2009-07
role name: Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.

Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow
type: Occupation

occupation-611th-air-and-space-operations-center-joint-base-elme-caf8d5-role
type: Role
has occupation: Commander
start date: 2009-07
end date: 2011-05
role name: Commander at 611th Air and Space Operations Center, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska

Commander
type: Occupation

occupation-8th-fighter-wing-kunsan-air-base-south-korea-commander-role
type: Role
has occupation: Commander
start date: 2011-05
end date: 2012-05
role name: Commander at 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea

Commander
type: Occupation

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type: Role
has occupation: Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force
start date: 2012-06
end date: 2014-06
role name: Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.

Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force
type: Occupation

occupation-56th-fighter-wing-luke-afb-ariz-commander-role
type: Role
has occupation: Commander
start date: 2014-06
end date: 2016-06
role name: Commander at 56th Fighter Wing, Luke AFB, Ariz.

Commander
type: Occupation

occupation-f-35-integration-office-headquarters-us-air-force-the-ad29a9-role
type: Role
has occupation: Director
start date: 2016-07
end date: 2017-05
role name: Director at F-35 Integration Office, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.

Director
type: Occupation

occupation-headquarters-air-combat-command-joint-base-langley-eu-27cea2-role
type: Role
has occupation: Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements
start date: 2017-06
end date: 2019-05
role name: Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements at Headquarters Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Director, Plans, Programs, and Requirements
type: Occupation

occupation-headquarters-pacific-air-forces-joint-base-pearl-harb-1dd341-role
type: Role
has occupation: Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations
start date: 2019-06
end date: 2020-06
role name: Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii

Director of Air and Cyberspace Operations
type: Occupation

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type: Role
has occupation: Deputy Commander, United States Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; Commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and Commander, Seventh Air Force
start date: 2020-06
end date: 2024-01
role name: Deputy Commander, United States Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; Commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and Commander, Seventh Air Force at Seventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, South Korea

Deputy Commander, United States Forces Korea; Commander, Air Component Command, United Nations Command; Commander, Air Component Command, Combined Forces Command; and Commander, Seventh Air Force
type: Occupation

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type: Role
has occupation: Director of Staff
start date: 2024-01
end date: 2025-02
role name: Director of Staff at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.
start date: 2026-02

Director of Staff
type: Occupation
description: Current assignment as of the official biography dated March 2026.

occupation-headquarters-us-air-force-the-pentagon-arlington-va-a-351d03-role
type: Role
has occupation: Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
start date: 2025-02
end date: 2026-02
role name: Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va.

Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force
type: Occupation

eduorg-university-of-minnesota-duluth-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: University of Minnesota-Duluth
start date: 1989
end date: 1989
role name: Bachelor of Arts, Communications

University of Minnesota-Duluth
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-squadron-officer-school-maxwell-air-force-base-ala-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
start date: 1997
end date: 1997
role name: Professional Military Education, Squadron Officer School

Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-air-command-and-staff-college-maxwell-afb-ala-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
start date: 2000
end date: 2000
role name: Master of Military Operational Arts and Science, Military Operational Arts and Science

Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-auburn-university-montgomery-ala-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Auburn University-Montgomery, Ala.
start date: 2000
end date: 2000
role name: Master of Arts, International Relations

Auburn University-Montgomery, Ala.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-air-war-college-maxwell-air-force-base-ala-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
start date: 2002
end date: 2002
role name: Professional Military Education, Air War College

Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-sun-microsystems-menlo-park-calif-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.
start date: 2008
end date: 2008
role name: Fellowship, Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow

Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-darden-school-of-business-university-of-virginia-char-a8711f-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
start date: 2010
end date: 2010
role name: Professional Development Program, U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar

Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-national-defense-university-washington-dc-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
start date: 2015
end date: 2015
role name: Professional Military Education, Capstone General and Flag Officer Course
start date: 2021
end date: 2021
role name: Professional Military Education, Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course

National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

eduorg-maxwell-afb-ala-alumniof
type: OrganizationRole
alumni of: Maxwell AFB, Ala.
start date: 2015
end date: 2015
role name: Professional Military Education, Joint Force Air Component Commander Course
start date: 2018
end date: 2018
role name: Professional Military Education, Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course

Maxwell AFB, Ala.
type: CollegeOrUniversity

Bachelor of Arts in Communications
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: University of Minnesota-Duluth
date created: 1989

Professional Military Education in Squadron Officer School
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
date created: 1997

Master of Military Operational Arts and Science in Military Operational Arts and Science
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
date created: 2000

Master of Arts in International Relations
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Auburn University-Montgomery, Ala.
date created: 2000

Professional Military Education in Air War College
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
date created: 2002

Fellowship in Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Sun Microsystems, Menlo Park, Calif.
date created: 2008

Professional Development Program in U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Darden School of Business, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
date created: 2010

Professional Military Education in Capstone General and Flag Officer Course
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
date created: 2015

Professional Military Education in Joint Force Air Component Commander Course
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Maxwell AFB, Ala.
date created: 2015

Professional Military Education in Joint Flag Officer Warfighting Course
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: Maxwell AFB, Ala.
date created: 2018

Professional Military Education in Pinnacle General and Flag Officer Course
type: EducationalOccupationalCredential
credential category: degree
recognized by: National Defense University, Washington, D.C.
date created: 2021

Readiness Architecture (organizational readiness under pressure)
type: DefinedTerm
description: The discipline of building organizations that are ready for pressure rather than organizations that merely look ready, centered on enforcing a visible, consistent daily standard as the leading indicator of performance under pressure.
term code: thought leader

Large-scale operations command
type: DefinedTerm
description: End-to-end operational command experience at scales ranging from a 5,000-person division to a 680,000-person, $240 billion enterprise.
term code: expert

Fighter aviation / F-16 operations
type: DefinedTerm
description: Career F-16 fighter pilot who flew the F-35 with wing command experience at the 8th Fighter Wing and 56th Fighter Wing.
term code: expert

Joint and coalition operations (Korean Peninsula)
type: DefinedTerm
description: Commanded Seventh Air Force and served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, leading air component operations in a joint, coalition environment.
term code: expert

Force readiness policy and inspection design
type: DefinedTerm
description: Directed Air Force-wide policy on no-notice unit readiness inspections and addressed aircraft readiness challenges as the acting Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force
term code: expert

Enterprise budget and resource stewardship
type: DefinedTerm
description: Held end-to-end accountability for $240 billion of budget authority across operations, personnel, readiness, and modernization for the Department of the Air Force.
term code: expert

United States Air Force
type: Person
description: Pleus's employer throughout his military career, culminating in his role as Director of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Seventh Air Force
type: Person
description: Numbered air force commanded by Pleus; he also served as Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, during this assignment.

Gen. Lamontagne
type: Person
description: Confirmed as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force in February 2026, succeeding Pleus in the role he had been performing the duties of on an acting basis since February 2025.

Big House Enterprise
type: Person
description: Brand strategy partner that developed Pleus's Readiness Architecture positioning, semantic triple, and bio framework (Pleus_Brand_Framework_FINAL, July 2026).

Introducing Rolls: A Quick Glance Inside the Seventh Air Force Commander
type: NewsArticle
description: A DVIDS profile introducing Pleus — call sign 'Rolls' — to the Seventh Air Force community shortly after he assumed command, including his own remarks on leadership and the Korea assignment.
date published: 2020-09-22
alternative headline: Introducing Rolls
additional type: profile
publisher: DVIDS
about: Scott L. Pleus

Pleus Takes Over at 7th Air Force
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of Pleus assuming command of Seventh Air Force, including remarks delivered at the change-of-command ceremony.
date published: 2020-06-12
alternative headline: Pleus Takes Over at 7th Air Force
additional type: news article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

Seventh Air Force Hosts First Virtual Change of Command
type: NewsArticle
description: Official press release on the virtual change-of-command ceremony at which Pleus assumed command of Seventh Air Force.
date published: 2020-06
alternative headline: Seventh Air Force Hosts First Virtual Change of Command
additional type: article
publisher: PACOM News
about: Scott L. Pleus

Pleus: US Capitol Attack Reverberated on the Korean Peninsula
type: NewsArticle
description: Reporting on Pleus's remarks during the AFA 'Air and Space Warfighters in Action' webinar, discussing how the January 6 Capitol attack was perceived by allies and adversaries in the Korea theater.
date published: 2021-02-03
alternative headline: Pleus: US Capitol Attack Reverberated on the Korean Peninsula
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

Seventh Air Force Commander's Battlefield Circulation
type: NewsArticle
description: A photo feature documenting Pleus's visits to units under his command across the Seventh Air Force area of responsibility.
date published: 2022-05-19
alternative headline: Seventh Air Force Commander's Battlefield Circulation
additional type: article
publisher: Seventh Air Force (official site)
about: Scott L. Pleus

New PACAF Commander Tapped in Pentagon Nominations
type: NewsArticle
description: Reporting on a slate of Pentagon general officer nominations that included Pleus, as part of broader Pacific Air Forces leadership moves.
date published: 2023-04-25
alternative headline: New PACAF Commander Tapped in Pentagon Nominations
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

With Hold Lifted, What Happens Next for New Generals?
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of a batch of general officer confirmations released after a Senate hold was lifted, within which Pleus's nomination and assignment were reported.
date published: 2023-12-07
alternative headline: With Hold Lifted, What Happens Next for New Generals?
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

8th Fighter Wing Commander Is Stepping Down
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of a change-of-command at the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base — a unit Pleus previously commanded earlier in his career.
date published: 2023-10-31
alternative headline: 8th Fighter Wing commander is stepping down
additional type: article
publisher: Stars and Stripes
about: Scott L. Pleus

Three-Star General Performing Duties of Air Force Vice Chief
type: NewsArticle
description: Reporting on Pleus stepping in to perform the duties of Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force following a leadership change at the top of the service.
date published: 2025-02-24
alternative headline: Three-star general performing duties of Air Force vice chief
additional type: article
publisher: InsideDefense.com
about: Scott L. Pleus

U.S. Air Force Vice Nominee Pulled
type: NewsArticle
description: Reporting on the withdrawal of a Vice Chief nomination, discussed in the context of the leadership vacancy Pleus was filling on an acting basis.
date published: 2025-09-08
alternative headline: U.S. Air Force Vice Nominee Pulled
additional type: article
publisher: Aviation Week
about: Scott L. Pleus

Bussiere to Retire After Vice Chief Nomination Withdrawn
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of the extended Vice Chief vacancy, during which Pleus continued to perform the duties of the office as Director of Staff.
date published: 2025-10-01
alternative headline: Bussiere to Retire After Vice Chief Nomination Withdrawn
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

Lamontagne Nominated for Vice Chief
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of Gen. Lamontagne's nomination to be Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the post Pleus had been performing the duties of on an acting basis.
date published: 2025-12-16
alternative headline: Lamontagne Nominated for Vice Chief
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections
type: NewsArticle
description: Pleus, in his role as acting Vice Chief of Staff, is quoted at length explaining the rationale behind new no-notice unit readiness inspections across the Air Force.
date published: 2026-01-29
alternative headline: Air Force Orders No-Notice Readiness Inspections
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of remarks by Pleus at a public forum addressing the structural drivers of aircraft readiness shortfalls across the fleet and the service's response.
date published: 2026-02-03
alternative headline: Air Force Grapples with Challenges to Aircraft Readiness
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief
type: NewsArticle
description: Coverage of Gen. Lamontagne's confirmation as Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, closing out the roughly year-long period during which Pleus performed the duties of the office.
date published: 2026-02-02
alternative headline: After 11-Month Vacancy, Air Force Has a New Vice Chief
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

CMSAF Wolfe on Standards, Teaching, and Rapport with Wilsbach
type: NewsArticle
description: Tangential coverage referencing Pleus's tenure and standards-focused leadership approach; no new direct quote from Pleus.
date published: 2026-02-24
alternative headline: CMSAF Wolfe on Standards, Teaching, and Rapport with Wilsbach
additional type: article
publisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine
about: Scott L. Pleus

PHOTOS: Lt. General Comes Home to Talk to Superior Students
type: NewsArticle
description: A hometown feature from Superior, Wisconsin, on Pleus's visit to speak with local students, with photographs and remarks on his path from the region into a career in the Air Force.
date published: 2022-03-07
alternative headline: Lt. General comes home to talk to Superior students
additional type: profile
publisher: Superior Telegram
about: Scott L. Pleus

Scott L. Pleus
type: Organization

Home
type: ListItem
position: 1
item: https://scottpleus.com

Locations
type: ListItem
position: 2
item: https://scottpleus.com/locations

Detroit
type: ListItem
position: 3
item: https://scottpleus.com/detroit

Scott L. Pleus
type: WebSite
description: Scott Pleus is a world-class operating executive who architects readiness by running the daily standard that decides whether an organization performs under pressure.
language: en
publisher: Scott L. Pleus

Glossary
type: DefinedTermSet
author: Scott L. Pleus
has defined term: Readiness Architecture
has defined term: What you tolerate, you teach. What you enforce, you build.

Readiness Architecture
type: DefinedTerm
in defined term set: Glossary
description: The discipline of building organizations that are ready for pressure, not organizations that look ready. Readiness is treated as a leading indicator, not an outcome — it shows up in the daily standard the leader enforces. Category audience: boards, CEOs, operating partners, and search partners deciding whether an organization is actually ready for its next pressure event.
term code: coined, 2026

What you tolerate, you teach. What you enforce, you build.
type: DefinedTerm
in defined term set: Glossary
description: The paired, inseparable operating-standard line naming the Readiness Architecture mechanism. The first half names the diagnostic (what an organization currently tolerates is what it currently teaches); the second names the mechanism (the standard a leader enforces is the organization that leader builds). Always used together, never split.
term code: coined, 2026

The Word Most Executives Use Wrong (And Why It Costs Them)
type: Article
is part of: Scott L. Pleus
description: Responsibility means meeting your duties. Accountability means owning the outcome. Scott Pleus on the language gap that quietly wrecks enterprise results.
abstract: Responsibility means meeting your duties. Accountability means owning the outcome. Scott Pleus on the language gap that quietly wrecks enterprise results.
date published: 2026-07-28
date modified: 2026-07-28
word count: 989
author: Scott L. Pleus
mentions: What you tolerate, you teach. What you enforce, you build.

The Three-Minute Test That Tells You Whether Your Organization Will Fail Under Pressure
type: Article
is part of: Scott L. Pleus
description: Three minutes on any operating floor reveals whether an organization is ready or only looks ready. Scott Pleus on the signals that can’t be staged.
abstract: Three minutes on any operating floor reveals whether an organization is ready or only looks ready. Scott Pleus on the signals that can’t be staged.
date published: 2026-07-28
date modified: 2026-07-28
word count: 1022
author: Scott L. Pleus
mentions: What you tolerate, you teach. What you enforce, you build.

Zero Failures Is Bad News: What Boards Miss About Readiness Reviews
type: Article
is part of: Scott L. Pleus
description: Zero failures for years isn’t proof of readiness — it’s proof the test stopped working. Scott Pleus on the boardroom blind spot most executives miss.
abstract: Zero failures for years isn’t proof of readiness — it’s proof the test stopped working. Scott Pleus on the boardroom blind spot most executives miss.
date published: 2026-07-28
date modified: 2026-07-28
word count: 1026
author: Scott L. Pleus
mentions: What you tolerate, you teach. What you enforce, you build.

Corporate Lessons for the DoD - Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows' Perspective
type: ScholarlyArticle
description: Todays Fortune 500 companies must be agile, utilize pace, be financially flexible and continue to re-invent themselves in order to remain viable in our economy. Although the differences between corporate America and the Department of Defense DoD may seem vast in their philosophy and implementation, there are actually more similarities than differences. The driving factors in both worlds are still leadership, strategy, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness, to name a few. This paper focuses on those areas the authors feel are beneficial for implementation into the DoD. The paper begins with an introduction of the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program and brief overview of each Fellows assignment. Next, the authors introduce Booz Allen Hamilton, Sun Microsystems, and Johnson Johnson providing an overview of companies in the program and giving the reader a baseline for reference. Next, the paper will walk through each corporate sponsor and will highlight those areas each Fellow observed that have the best opportunity for successful implementation in the DoD. Although the recommendations from each sponsor company are different, the authors feel this breadth provides a good cross section of ideas from all areas of corporate America. It must be noted that due to the non-disclosure agreements signed by all officers assigned to the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program, the unfettered access to corporate sensitive information, and the legality associated with corporate proprietary information, the authors are unable to provide specific references for some of the data contained in this paper.
abstract: Todays Fortune 500 companies must be agile, utilize pace, be financially flexible and continue to re-invent themselves in order to remain viable in our economy. Although the differences between corporate America and the Department of Defense DoD may seem vast in their philosophy and implementation, there are actually more similarities than differences. The driving factors in both worlds are still leadership, strategy, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness, to name a few. This paper focuses on those areas the authors feel are beneficial for implementation into the DoD. The paper begins with an introduction of the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellows Program and brief overview of each Fellows assignment. Next, the authors introduce Booz Allen Hamilton, Sun Microsystems, and Johnson Johnson providing an overview of companies in the program and giving the reader a baseline for reference. Next, the paper will walk through each corporate sponsor and will highlight those areas each Fellow observed that have the best opportunity for successful implementation in the DoD. Although the recommendations from each sponsor company are different, the authors feel this breadth provides a good cross section of ideas from all areas of corporate America. It must be noted that due to the non-disclosure agreements signed by all officers assigned to the Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellowship Program, the unfettered access to corporate sensitive information, and the legality associated with corporate proprietary information, the authors are unable to provide specific references for some of the data contained in this paper.
date published: 2009-05-01
is part of: Defense Technical Information Center
author: Scott L. Pleus

Defense Technical Information Center
type: Periodical

Establish the Delta Military Operations Area Environmental Assessment
type: ScholarlyArticle
description: The United States Air Force USAF proposes to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta MOAs consisting of four connected MOAs which could be scheduled together or independently. The proposed action would establish connecting airspace to provide a realistic setting for MFEs. MFEs in Alaskan airspace provide aircrews with realistic simulated combat experience. The expanded capability of aircraft establishes the need for contiguous airspace to meet MFE training objectives. The Delta corridor separates the Yukon MOAs from ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211, and the Fox and Eielson MOAs. At present, training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAA or funneling through the low-level Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude associated with the current MOA structure introduce pilot concerns about the boundary of the airspace and artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training at exactly the time pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The current airspace configuration requires pilots to train using non-optimal tactics in restricted training regimens. This continually reinforces negative habit patterns which can affect pilot survivability in combat. Current MFE training requirements cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. The Delta MOAs collectively termed the Delta MOA in this Environmental Assessment EA would permit the northsouth training environment required by today s technology to meet current MFE training. The proposed Delta MOA would have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA and overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs.
abstract: The United States Air Force USAF proposes to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta MOAs consisting of four connected MOAs which could be scheduled together or independently. The proposed action would establish connecting airspace to provide a realistic setting for MFEs. MFEs in Alaskan airspace provide aircrews with realistic simulated combat experience. The expanded capability of aircraft establishes the need for contiguous airspace to meet MFE training objectives. The Delta corridor separates the Yukon MOAs from ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211, and the Fox and Eielson MOAs. At present, training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAA or funneling through the low-level Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude associated with the current MOA structure introduce pilot concerns about the boundary of the airspace and artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training at exactly the time pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The current airspace configuration requires pilots to train using non-optimal tactics in restricted training regimens. This continually reinforces negative habit patterns which can affect pilot survivability in combat. Current MFE training requirements cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. The Delta MOAs collectively termed the Delta MOA in this Environmental Assessment EA would permit the northsouth training environment required by today s technology to meet current MFE training. The proposed Delta MOA would have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA and overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs.
date published: 2009-01-01
author: Scott L. Pleus

Establish the Delta Military Operations Areas Environmental Assessment Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska
type: ScholarlyArticle
description: Proposals and Actions This Environmental Assessment EA analyzes the potential environmental consequences of a proposal to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta Military Operations Areas MOAs as part of the YukonFox Complex. The YukonFox Complex consists of the Yukon, Fox, Eielson, Birch, and Buffalo MOAs associated Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAAs ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211 and the Delta ATCAA. The proposed Delta MOA would allow aircrews to train as they fight. Current MFE training cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. At present, MFE training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta ATCAA or funneling through the low altitude Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training precisely when pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The proposed Delta MOA permits use of current technology and tactics and provides all angle surface attacks, threat reaction tactics, air-to-air combat maneuvering, and joint air-ground operations in conjunction with ranges R-2202 and R-2205. The Delta MOA would overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs, have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA, have a floor of 10,000 feet MSL from Eielson Air Force Base AFB to the Birch MOA, and have a floor 3,000 feet above ground level AGL between the Birch and Buffalo MOAs. The Delta MOA would be activated not more than 6 MFEs a year not to exceed 60 days per year with 1.5-2.5 hour periods twice a weekday.
abstract: Proposals and Actions This Environmental Assessment EA analyzes the potential environmental consequences of a proposal to improve required training for Major Flying Exercises MFEs by establishing the Delta Military Operations Areas MOAs as part of the YukonFox Complex. The YukonFox Complex consists of the Yukon, Fox, Eielson, Birch, and Buffalo MOAs associated Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace ATCAAs ranges R-2202, R-2205, and R-2211 and the Delta ATCAA. The proposed Delta MOA would allow aircrews to train as they fight. Current MFE training cannot be achieved at the combat mission level with the existing ATCAA and MOA structure connecting the Yukon and FoxEielson Special Use Airspaces SUAs. At present, MFE training aircraft must transition the Delta corridor by either climbing above Flight Level FL 180 18,000 feet above mean sea level MSL into the Delta ATCAA or funneling through the low altitude Birch or Buffalo MOAs. The abrupt and segmented changes in altitude artificially constrain realistic threat-avoidance and attack run-in training precisely when pilots should be focused on combat conditions. The proposed Delta MOA permits use of current technology and tactics and provides all angle surface attacks, threat reaction tactics, air-to-air combat maneuvering, and joint air-ground operations in conjunction with ranges R-2202 and R-2205. The Delta MOA would overlie the Birch and Buffalo MOAs, have a ceiling of FL180 at the existing Delta ATCAA, have a floor of 10,000 feet MSL from Eielson Air Force Base AFB to the Birch MOA, and have a floor 3,000 feet above ground level AGL between the Birch and Buffalo MOAs. The Delta MOA would be activated not more than 6 MFEs a year not to exceed 60 days per year with 1.5-2.5 hour periods twice a weekday.
date published: 2009-01-01
author: Scott L. Pleus

AFA 'Air and Space Warfighters in Action' Webinar
type: Event
description: Pleus joined the Air Force Association's webinar series to discuss the operating environment on the Korean Peninsula, including how the January 6 Capitol attack was perceived by regional allies and adversaries.
start date: 2021-02-02
additional type: webinar
about: Alliance posture on the Korean Peninsula following the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack
audience: event-afa-air-and-space-warfighters-in-action-webinar-audience
location: Air Force Association (virtual)
performer: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Commander, Seventh Air Force; Deputy Commander, U.S. Forces Korea

Alliance posture on the Korean Peninsula following the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack
type: Thing

event-afa-air-and-space-warfighters-in-action-webinar-audience
type: Audience
audience type: Defense and policy community

Air Force Association (virtual)
type: Place
address: event-afa-air-and-space-warfighters-in-action-webinar-location-address

event-afa-air-and-space-warfighters-in-action-webinar-location-address
type: PostalAddress
address country: United States

Seventh Air Force Commander's Conference
type: Event
description: As commander, Pleus hosted this gathering of Seventh Air Force wing and unit leadership to align priorities across the command's Korea-based force structure.
start date: 2022-03-24
additional type: other
about: Command-wide priorities and alignment across Seventh Air Force wings and units
audience: event-seventh-air-force-commanders-conference-audience
location: Osan Air Base
performer: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Host / Commander, Seventh Air Force

Command-wide priorities and alignment across Seventh Air Force wings and units
type: Thing

event-seventh-air-force-commanders-conference-audience
type: Audience
audience type: Seventh Air Force leadership

Osan Air Base
type: Place
address: event-seventh-air-force-commanders-conference-location-address

event-seventh-air-force-commanders-conference-location-address
type: PostalAddress
address locality: Pyeongtaek
address country: Republic of Korea

Panel: What Air Force Leaders Are Considering to Better Defend Forward Bases
type: Event
description: Pleus participated in this panel discussion on defending forward operating bases in the Indo-Pacific theater, drawing on his command experience in Korea.
start date: 2023-03-08
additional type: panel
about: Base defense in contested, forward-deployed environments
audience: event-panel-what-air-force-leaders-are-considering-to-bette-34d56c-audience
location: event-panel-what-air-force-leaders-are-considering-to-bette-34d56c-location
performer: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Panelist

Base defense in contested, forward-deployed environments
type: Thing

event-panel-what-air-force-leaders-are-considering-to-bette-34d56c-audience
type: Audience
audience type: Defense and policy community

event-panel-what-air-force-leaders-are-considering-to-bette-34d56c-location-address
type: PostalAddress
address country: United States

Yonhap News Symposium: 70 Years of the ROK-U.S. Alliance
type: Event
description: Pleus delivered extensive remarks at this symposium marking seven decades of the ROK-U.S. alliance, addressing the future of combined air operations and deterrence on the peninsula.
start date: 2023-06-29
additional type: lecture
about: The future of combined defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States
audience: event-yonhap-news-symposium-70-years-of-the-rok-us-alliance-audience
location: event-yonhap-news-symposium-70-years-of-the-rok-us-alliance-location
performer: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Featured speaker / Commander, Seventh Air Force

The future of combined defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the United States
type: Thing

event-yonhap-news-symposium-70-years-of-the-rok-us-alliance-audience
type: Audience
audience type: Alliance and policy community

event-yonhap-news-symposium-70-years-of-the-rok-us-alliance-location-address
type: PostalAddress
address country: Republic of Korea

Forum Remarks on Aircraft Readiness Challenges
type: Event
description: Pleus addressed a public forum on the structural challenges facing Air Force aircraft readiness and the service's near-term response, generating a direct-quote feature in Air & Space Forces Magazine.
start date: 2026-02-03
additional type: talk
about: Structural drivers of aircraft readiness shortfalls and the Air Force's response
audience: event-forum-remarks-on-aircraft-readiness-challenges-audience
location: event-forum-remarks-on-aircraft-readiness-challenges-location
performer: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Director of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force (performing the duties of Vice Chief of Staff)

Structural drivers of aircraft readiness shortfalls and the Air Force's response
type: Thing

event-forum-remarks-on-aircraft-readiness-challenges-audience
type: Audience
audience type: Defense press and Air Force community

event-forum-remarks-on-aircraft-readiness-challenges-location-address
type: PostalAddress
address country: United States

DVIDS
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Air & Space Forces Magazine
type: NewsMediaOrganization

PACOM News
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Seventh Air Force (official site)
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Stars and Stripes
type: NewsMediaOrganization

InsideDefense.com
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Aviation Week
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Superior Telegram
type: NewsMediaOrganization

Patches of PACAF 07/16: Seventh Air Force
type: PodcastEpisode
description: An on-camera DVIDS video feature with Pleus discussing the history and heraldry of the Seventh Air Force patch and its significance to the command.
part of series: Patches of PACAF
contributor: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Commander, Seventh Air Force
associated media: AudioObject
about: History and heraldry of the Seventh Air Force patch

Remarks on No-Notice Readiness Inspections
type: PodcastEpisode
description: Speaking in his role performing the duties of Vice Chief, Pleus explained the Air Force's rationale for a new program of unannounced unit readiness inspections, quoted extensively by defense press.
date published: 2026-01-29
contributor: PerformanceRole
  performer: Scott L. Pleus
  role name: Director of Staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force (performing the duties of Vice Chief of Staff)
about: Rationale for new no-notice unit readiness inspections across the Air Force

Patches of PACAF 07/16: Seventh Air Force
type: VideoObject
embed url: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/830650
description: An on-camera DVIDS video feature with Pleus discussing the history and heraldry of the Seventh Air Force patch and its significance to the command.
upload date: 2021-09-30
additional type: Other
creator: Scott L. Pleus