Air Vice Marshall Ben Sleeman

Air Vice-Marshal Benjamin Sleeman joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1990 as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating from University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1992. He was appointed Head of Air Force Capability on 16 September 2024.He completed Pilot’s Course in 1994, F/A-18 Operational Conversion in 1995 and Fighter Combat Instructor Course in 1999. Following various operational, instructor and staff assignments, he commanded No 77 Squadron from 2013-2016 and No 81 Wing from 2018-2019, overseeing the transition of the Wing from the F/A-18A to the F-35A. In 2016, No 77 Squadron was awarded the Kittyhawk Trophy for the most proficient fighter squadron.Air Vice-Marshal Sleeman has experience in capability development roles within Air Force Headquarters, including as Director General Integrated Air and Missile Defence and in the Office of Chief of Air Force. He has completed several tours within Headquarters Joint Operations Command, as Director of the Australian Air and Space Operations Centre and as Director General Air Command Operations / Director General Air. He also has experience in capability management, planning and governance roles to raise, train and sustain forces, including as Deputy Air Commander Australia.Air Vice-Marshal Sleeman deployed on Operation SLIPPER in 2002 and on Operations BASTILLE and FALCONER in 2003. He deployed on Operation OKRA in 2015 as Commander Task Element 630.1.1, for which he was awarded a Distinguished Service Medal. He deployed on Operation OKRA in 2019 as the Director of the United States Air Forces’ 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, for which he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross.Air Vice-Marshal Sleeman is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the United States Air Force Air War College. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Masters of Strategic Studies and a Bachelor of Science. He is also an accredited ADF Fitness Leader, with a passion for Human Performance Optimisation.