Stephen Bittner

Stephen Bittner is a 2026–27 Millennium fellow and a US Air Force officer whose career spans defense acquisition, special operations, and congressional oversight. He currently serves as a defense legislative fellow on Capitol Hill, advising on national security, intelligence, and foreign affairs, translating operational experience into legislative judgment. A dual-certified contracting officer and aircraft maintenance officer, Bittner commanded the 39th Contracting Squadron at Incirlik Air Base, led acquisition efforts at the National Reconnaissance Office, oversaw Boeing’s P-8A and KC-46A programs for the Defense Contract Management Agency, and completed several deployments. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy and a former national collegiate boxing champion, he writes on defense procurement and reform, including in War on the Rocks and the Air & Space Power Journal. He enjoys playing music, traveling, and spending time with his wife and young children.