Colonel Laurel V. Walsh serves as the U.S. Space Force Chair to the National Defense University and an assistant professor at the Dwight D. Eisenhower School, Fort McNair, Washington D.C.
Prior to her current assignment, Col Walsh served on Headquarters Space Staff as the Director of Joint and National Security Council Matters. In this role, she led the division responsible for assisting in the formulation, coordination, and communication of the service’s position and best military advice for joint matters and Joint Staff actions.
Col Walsh earned her commission in July 1999 through U.S. Air Force Officer Training School and transferred to the U.S. Space Force in January of 2021. She has operational experience in space and intercontinental ballistic missile operations. Col Walsh commanded space operations units at the squadron and group level and has also served on Air Staff, Joint Staff, and within the immediate Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Col Walsh holds a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from National War College, a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Political Science from The Ohio State University.