Senior Leader Profile: Col. Anthony Rhoades Published Dec. 10, 2024 By K. Houston Waters Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Taking care of people is a priority for the deputy commander of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. “Take care of the people, and the mission will take care of itself,” said Col. Anthony Rhoades. “Control what you can change and accept what you cannot, but still look for those opportunities to make positive changes. That's where you need to put your energy, instead of wasting it on something you can’t influence.” Rhoades joined AFNWC in June 2024 following an assignment as battle watch commander at the Global Operations Center, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Since his commissioning in 2002, Rhoades has served in a variety of intercontinental ballistic missile-related positions. These include assignments as director of operations, 12th Missile Squadron and 341st Operational Support Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Montana; chief of the Operations and Maintenance Inspections Branch for the Air Force Global Strike Command Inspector General at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana; and Looking Glass mission commander for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt AFB. Rhoades said he is excited for the opportunity to learn more about the acquisition side of the nuclear mission after his time in operations. “I did not grow up in the acquisition world, so this position has been very interesting so far,” he said. “It is like learning a new language, and I have been trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible.” He appreciates the assistance he has received from center personnel while learning the roles and responsibilities of his position. “I have so much great support around me that it has been a smooth ride so far,” Rhoades said. He has learned many lessons from teammates and mentors throughout his career of more than 20 years, but the most important was learning how to give and receive feedback. “I prefer blunt feedback, but not everyone is receptive to that,” he said. “As a leader, you need to take the time to get to know your folks on a personal level. It is important to learn their strengths and weaknesses, so you can find ways to encourage them to be better. But you also must hold yourself to that same standard.” Rhoades said that despite his bluntness, he is very open and receptive to feedback, and his door is always open. “I am always here if anyone needs to talk about anything,” he said. “People are at the core of our mission, and I am here to support them in any way I can.” Rhoades’ biography is available at https://www.afnwc.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/3826526/anthony-g-rhoades/.