as part of the half yearly promotions, he was promoted to wing commander on 1 january 2003. he then attended the united states air force air command and staff college at maxwell air force base in montgomery, alabama. from july 2004 to june 2006, he remained at the college as a member of the directing staff as deputy director of strategy and war. in 2006, he attended the usaf school of advanced air and space studies; he was the first non-american to attend the school. he graduated with a master of arts in strategic air power.