Interview
Brig. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt: Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service
- Brigadier General Jeanne Levitt is the Commander of Air Force Recruiting Services and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation.
- She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1992 and became the first female fighter pilot in 1993.
- Levitt's path to aviation was driven by a background in aerospace engineering and mentorship from uncles who were engineers, despite initial uncertainty about the profession.
- She initially studied at the University of Texas as an aerospace engineering student.
- She did not fly an airplane until age 18 due to her mother's fear of flying.
- In January 1993, Levitt graduated first in her pilot training class despite a Department of Defense (DoD) policy gap regarding women in combat.
- Although the law had changed in late 1992 to allow women in combat, DoD policy restrictions remained until April 1993.
- She requested the F-15E Strike Eagle, the most desired aircraft, knowing it was forbidden under existing policy but anticipating the change.
- She made the selection despite unsolicited advice to avoid being labeled a "troublemaker" or facing rejection.
- Levitt accepted the role of "first" female fighter pilot despite stating she did not seek the title or public attention.
- Senior leadership warned her that accepting the role would subject her to intense scrutiny and that she would be the first.
- She overcame stress and isolation through horseback riding, which she used as a primary coping mechanism.
- Levitt faced initial resistance from instructors and senior leadership upon joining her fighter squadron, though her peers accepted her.
- She felt compelled to outperform male counterparts constantly due to the heightened visibility of her role.
- Performance skepticism among peers diminished as she demonstrated consistent competence and determination.
- The culture within the Air Force fighter community has shifted from male-dominated to one emphasizing dignity and respect.
- Leadership now holds commanders explicitly responsible for fostering an environment free of harassment and bias.
- Levitt has logged over 3,000 flight hours, including 300 hours in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- She flew the F-15E from 1993 through June 2023, witnessing a transition from INS navigation to GPS and advanced data-link capabilities.
- Modern aircraft utilize dual-mode and smart weapons, contrasting with the laser-guided bombs available during her initial training.
- High-G maneuvers create a physical sensation equivalent to nine times a pilot's normal body weight.
- Combat readiness is maintained through realistic, high-stress training exercises, specifically Operation Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base.
- This training simulates enemy fire and high-pressure environments to prepare pilots for real-world combat scenarios.
- As Commander of Air Force Recruiting Services, Levitt emphasizes that diverse teams produce superior problem-solving outcomes.
- The Air Force actively seeks demographic and geographic diversity to reflect the society it protects.
- Leadership strategies prioritize humility, approachability, and credibility to foster an environment where team members feel safe to contribute.
- Levitt served as a technical consultant for the production of the film Captain Marvel to ensure an accurate portrayal of female fighter pilots.
- She facilitated visits for the production crew and star Brie Larson to Nellis Air Force Base.
- Brie Larson underwent training in the back seat of an F-16 to experience the physical sensations of high-performance flight.
- The Air Force is leveraging Captain Marvel and a dedicated "Origin Story" trailer to recruit and increase diversity within the pilot force.
- The outreach campaign addresses public misconceptions, noting that many still believe women could not fly fighters until the movie's release.
- The goal is to use visible role models to encourage individuals to pursue careers they previously did not know were available to them.