In his new role, he had to mobilize C-54 transports from all over the world to break the Russian blockade of Berlin, known as the Berlin Airlift. General Picher went to Japan in September 1949 as commanding general of Far East Air Force's 315th Air Division at Itazuke. The following March he became inspector general of FEAF at Tokyo and a year later was named Director of Personnel in the command, with promotion March 8, 1952 to major general. He again returned to Washington and became Assistant for Programming under the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. In June 1955 he was appointed Director of Strategic Plans for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was promoted to lieutenant general April 1, 1958 and selected for the position of Director of the Joint Staff. He retired on May 11, 1960. Picher's awards and decorations included the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four clusters and ten campaign medals.